The challenge
EdComs Programme Development and Digital created an interactive classroom resource, plugin2engineering, which brings Science and Engineering to life for young people, and complements their other education programmes around energy saving. In 2009 E.ON asked EdComs to put together a workshop tour which would support the web resources and:
- help 11–16 year old students explore how the science they learn in the classroom is applied in real-life energy production and distribution
- encourage them to think about career paths related to engineering.
All the resources link to the Science curriculum for the relevant age group and provide an excellent fit with the newly launched Engineering Diploma.
Our approach
In autumn 2009 the plugin2engineering tour visited 25 schools in E.ON areas over five weeks. Trained facilitators, supported by E.ON volunteers, delivered an intensive two-hour workshop to students aged 14–16.
The activities are set on fictional Electronica Island. Students take on the role of network engineers for the island's energy company. They work in small teams to complete five challenges within a 'real-life' context. Each focuses on a different aspect of the network and a different set of Science themes.
The activities are all hands-on and designed to embed theoretical science into practical activities. They include:
- Generate it! – using scientific knowledge to maximise the output of a miniature wind turbine
- Transmit it! – demonstrating the process of stepping electricity up and down, and briefing a new apprentice
- Distribute it! – use knowledge of circuits to investigate a fault
- Make it safe! – installing a circuit breaker
- How much? – planning the island's required generating capacity.
All the activities link to the Science curriculum for the relevant age group and provide an excellent fit with the recently-launched Diploma in Engineering.
Outcomes
Feedback has been incredibly positive. Teachers have commented that the students:
- found the workshops very enjoyable
- appreciated working in teams to solve the problems
- brought the world of engineering to life.
"The delivery was slick, informative and well pitched. All the pupils commented that the experience gave them a good insight into the world of electrical engineering, much of which was quite a mystery before." Teacher, Frank F. Harrison Engineering College
"I found it very interesting listening to how unsure the pupils were about the role of an engineer…It was good for them to have the opportunity to ask your 'real-life engineer' questions about what he does." Teacher, Edgecliff High School