Inspiring future engineers and scientists

Eighty-five secondary school students will take part in hands-on activities, based on projects developed by industry, at the University of Bristol this week [14 to 16 December].
Eighty-five secondary school students will take part in hands-on activities, based on projects developed by industry, at the University of Bristol this week [14 to 16 December].

The University’s Faculty of Engineering will host, for the first time, the three-day Engineering Development Trust (EDT) Engineering Education Scheme (EES) workshop for the southwest region.

The hands-on activities the schools will take part in include:

  • Using rainwater in an environmental cooling system.
  • Using a remote control car to detect an improvised explosive device (IED).
  • Creating a demonstration model of a gearbox, using software to test new technologies.

There will also be an opportunity for the students to get advice on science, engineering and technology as a degree or career option, together with a presentation skill and report writing seminar.

 Dr Askin Isikveren, Director of the University’s Engineering Design degree programme and who is heading the organising team, said: “This is a great opportunity to promote science, engineering and technology to sixth-formers who might not consider it as a career.

“Due to the effects of climate change, engineers will be needed around the world to work on large-scale projects.  This initiative promotes awareness of the challenges ahead to this generation of students.”

The EES links teams of four Year 12 students and their teacher with local companies, to work on real scientific, engineering and technological problems. 

During the six-month project, the students work with engineers and companies on a real project.  They are encouraged to show industrial enterprise, creativity and innovation whilst gaining extensive experience of problem solving, team work and project management.