Primary pupils have been offered the chance to become teachers in classrooms across the north of Scotland to develop their skills for learning, life and work.
More than 22 schools in Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland and Moray will take part in the STEM Champs scheme, run by the Raising Aspirations in Science Education (RAiSE) programme and Aberdeen Science Centre.
And the P5-7 youngsters will be devising a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) learning experiences for pre-school and primary 1 and 2 pupils in a bid to secure STEM Champion awards.
Gayle Duffus is national education officer of the initiative which has been created to improve the teaching of STEM in Scotland and which is delivered and funded by The Wood Foundation, Education Scotland, Scottish Government and all the participating local authorities.
She said: “Putting the power into the hands of the upper primary pupils is a really impactful way for them to not only learn about STEM but to develop an array of skills including leadership, communication and organisation.
“It is also very engaging for the younger children.”
More than 750 pupils are taking part in the STEM Champs pilot. And, if it is successful, there are plans to introduce the programme nationwide.
The older children receive training from Aberdeen Science Centre and work towards Discovery or Challenger awards. Every participating school must deliver at least four STEM Champs lessons.
Dr Kim Aplin, headteacher at Cairney Primary School in Aberdeenshire, said: “The children at both ends of the school have really embraced this experience.
“As well as being a lot of fun, it has really cemented their STEM learning and increased their confidence.”
There was a competition held to design a logo for the programme which was won by a pupil from Greenwards Primary School in Elgin.
They were presented with several prizes including a family pass for Aberdeen Science Centre and a special STEM kit.
Liz Hodge, chief executive at Aberdeen Science Centre, said: “We are delighted to be working with schools in Aberdeenshire, Moray, Highland and Angus in the STEM Champs programme.
“This has given us the opportunity to support pupils to inspire and enthuse younger pupils in their school with engaging, fun STEM activities whilst helping them to develop their own leadership, planning and communication skills.”