The Big Bang Fair is today unveiling the world’s first collection of ‘STEMojis’ – emoji versions of a selection of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) heroes, including chef Heston Blumenthal, Nobel prize-winner Marie Curie and physicist Isaac Newton.
The 23 STEMojis form an interactive yearbook featuring a diverse combination of heroes ranging from those that a modern-day teenager would recognise to bright minds that may be less familiar. The yearbook also features biographies for each of the heroes so the curious can learn about their inspirational achievements.
By celebrating both those who have shaped the world in which we live and people who help popularise science and engineering, The Big Bang Fair aims to showcase the exciting opportunities available in STEM. Included as a new STEMoji is current UK Young Scientist of the Year Sarah Sobka, whose investigation of the drug Lubiprostone in treating cystic fibrosis triumphed at the national finals of this year’s Big Bang Fair.
The Big Bang Fair plans to submit the characters to the Unicode Consortium for approval so that the STEMojis can be used on a smartphone, tablet and a desktop computer by anyone, anywhere. Wouldn’t it be great to message a friend about a paradoxical moment in life with a Schrodinger STEMoji, rather than scramble for words with aubergines, peaches and a high five?
Paul Jackson, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK which runs The Big Bang Fair, comments: “Whilst it might seem strange to group Richard Ayoade and Marie Curie together as emojis, we are showcasing the different contributions science and engineering make to our lives. We hope that these fun STEMojis will get young people talking about science and engineering and thinking about where their studies could lead them. We look forward to receiving additional suggestions of STEM heroes to be celebrated in this way.”
Jack Mantle, teacher at Clacton County High School, comments: “It’s important to get children inspired and realise their potential, and in order to do this we should use a familiar form of communication. An emoji is not only a fun and engaging way to celebrate successes of the people selected, it also reminds us that science and maths are behind many of the things and concepts we take for granted.”
Find the whole STEMoji classroom at www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/stemheroes