To acquire a hard copy of the publication please contact Alan Kerr at Science Connects.
LEARNING GRID
Engineering, Mathematics, Science, Design, Technology.
IMechE Greenpower Goblins
The Greenpower Goblin kit car introduces pupils to simple practical and theoretical engineering. The project involves a team of 12-15 pupils
using their ingenuity in building a Goblin kit car, their creativity in designing and producing bodywork, and their team skills on race day.
Projects can be started in a single school or in conjunction with a local "hub" secondary school or organisation. Upon completetion of the
season's events, kits are stripped down ready for next year's team to re-assemble and go through the process again. Any spare parts are
readily available from Greenpower. The main chassis of the Goblin is of simple aluminium tube construction, where tubes are joined using
plastic connectors and screws. All other items are fitted to this, using simple methods for which only basic hand tools are required.
The K'Nex Challenge is a fun design and build competition open to classes of primary children of all abilities. Pupils work in pairs to
produce a specific design solution for a real-life problem such as building a bridge, carrying a load or demonstrating a mechanism. There are
five levels in the competition: Classroom Challenge; Cluster Challenge; Area Challenge; Regional Final; National Final; From one level to the
next, pupils' ability is stretched through learning new skills and going through more difficult challenges as they move up the levels. Area,
regional and national final activities are judged by engineers who give useful feedback and enable the best teams to progress to the next level.
The challenges are curriculum linked and can assist teachers to deliver aspects of the syallabus.
Imagineering Clubs are out-of-school clubs aimed at 9-12 year olds of varying abilities, involving one-hour weekly sessions, guided by
volunteer tutor engineers, teachers, assistant teachers and helpers. The hands-on sessions take place throughout the school year, mapping to
the curriculum of excellence and involving the practical application of skills such as using tools, following instructions and working in an
organised manner. Learning basic skills, each child assembles a series of working models from simple kits that they can take home when
complete. The Clubs give children a wide range of experience in science, engineering and technology.
Educational charity The Smallpeice Trust runs half-day STEM activity sessions designed to enhance students' aptitude for problem-solving,
creativity, design, and engineering. Working with teachers to decide the most suitable projects for their school and then groups of 50
pupils work together in small teams on "design and make" activities. East to organise they're inspiring and fun for everyone taking part.
Projects include: Wind Turbine Challenge; Aeronautical Design; Bridge Building; Communication Tower; Junkyard Wars and building a
super-capacitor powered vehicle. Course can be fitted round rooms and equipment available, times are flexible.
A competition giving pupils the chance to design, build and race their own, biofuel or electrically-powered, radio-controlled cars. It is
tailored to deliver Engineering qualifications, with fully mapped resources and guidance available for: GCSE Engineering, NVQs in
Performing Engineering Operations and the Engineering Diploma at level 1 & 2. Competing schools come from around the country to put their
designs through their paces at an annual spectacular race day at Silverstone circuit. Schools are supplied with all the hardware needed to
make a starter chassis and are linked with a local technology-based company to help develop their car through a wide range of engineering
disciplines.
Short four-day courses for students which take place around the school holidays in January, April, June and July. Students have the choice
of around 30 different courses with activities to develop their skills in creativity, design and teamwork. Subjects include biomedical
engineering, nanotechnology and supercomputing. All courses are heavily subsidised and one or two are free. Projects are based on real-life
engineering challenges and engineering professionals are on-site to give guidance throughout the stay. Companies on board include; Airbus,
Jaguar Land Rover and the Home Office Scientific Branch. In addition there is a fully supervised programme of evening based social activities
ranging from go-karting, laser quest and bowling.
The Formula One Technology Challenge sets the goal to use CAD/CAM software to design and race the F1 car of the future. Cars are manufactured
from balsa wood and powered by reclaimed gas cylinders. The skills gained from this industry-mirroring challenge, combined with the
thrill of entering a global competition. In the process the challenge provides work related learning in design, analysis, manufacture,
testing and racing that occurs in the real world of Formula One. Collaborative teamwork is required in the challenge which develops key skills
including presentation, marketing, business planning and budgeting as well as building confidence, self-esteem and communication skills.
Greenpower challenges young people throughout the UK to design, build and race an electric car, giving participants an insight into the real,
tangible world of engineering. At Formula 24 level, the specification is open-ended, with only an electric motor and batteries being
the standard issue to each team. Teams of up to 12 pupils design and build a vehicle adhering to Formula 24 safety regulations. Teams race
their car at a four hour endurance regional heat, held at motor circuits nationwide. Top 75 cars go through to compete in the national final
at Goodwood.
Pioneering Young Engineers and Inventors are challenged to come up with a creative and commercially viable device or system that meets an
everyday need they have identified. Possible areas of study include; healthcare, the environment, travel and transport or sport and leisure.
Entries can come from individuals or teams of up to four young people who initially carry out market research and then develop their ideas
through designing, making and testing. A design portfolio is kept throughout and competitors present their project when it's near completion
using either video or PowerPoint. Projects are demonstrated at regional events and are assessed according to: Design, Innovation &
Presentation, Product Development & Marketability, Integration & Application of Electronics and Manufacture and Finish.
The 4X4 in Schools Technology Challenge is a national competition in which students design and build a radio controlled four-wheel drive model
vehicle, which is then tested on its ability to navigate a specially designed track. The challenge is designed to provide study in: Resistant
Materials; Electronic Products and Systems and Control. The challenge develops independent and collaborative teamwork. Key functional skills
are honed; including application of number, communication, management of own learning, personal and team project management and problem solving.
Regional and national events take place in July at relevant locations and venues.
In school event, competition, student & teacher resources, age range 7-11
Cost: Complete kit £685 plus VAT
website: www.greenpower.co.uk
email:
info@greenpower.co.uk
Out of & in school events, competition, teacher resources, age range 7-11
Cost: Mainly free
website: www.youngeng.org
email:
projects@youngeng.org
Out of & in school events, teacher resources, age range 9-12
Cost: £1.50 per week per child plus one-off fee of £130 for a toolbox
website: www.imagineeringweb.co.uk
email:
Joy Smith joy.jcm@btinternet.com
In school events, teacher resources, age range 11-14
Cost: £495
website: www.smallpeice.org.uk
email:
gen@smallpeicetrust.org.uk
Out of & in school events, competition, teacher resources, age range 11-16
Cost: £375 per team including all hardware
website: www.formulaschools.com
email:
info@formulaschools.com
Out of school events, student resources, age range 11-18
Cost: £125 - £275 depending on the course (full board, including course materials and excursions)
website: www.smallpeice.org.uk
email:
gen@smallpeicetrust.org.uk
In school event, student & teacher resources, age range 11-18
Cost: Free to enter. Starter kit costs £50
website: www.F1inschools.co.uk
email:
contactus@F1inschools.co.uk
Out of & in school events, competition, student & teacher resources, age range 16-18
Cost: Starter kits are £295 (F24+) or £395 (F24), entry is £60 thereafter
website: www.greenpower.co.uk
email:
info@greenpower.co.uk
Out of & in school events, competition, age range 11-18
Cost: Free to enter
website: www.youngeng.org
email:
projects@youneng.org
Out of & in school events, competition, student & teacher resources, age range 14-18
Cost: £250 for starter kit which includes registration
website: www.4x4inschools.co.uk
email:
contactus@4x4inschools.co.uk