By Sasha Pratt-Taweh | Project Officer
This summer we have had some exciting opportunities for students to see science and engineering in action.
At a Smart Building Challenge led by the Smallpeice Trust, students took on the role of engineers. The challenge was to design and construct a water management system and wind turbine to generate renewable energy. Using materials such as plastic, paper and electrical components, each prototype was constructed and put to the test.
In another event, future engineering hopefuls spent a day in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, getting a taste of student life. With an introduction to forces and civil engineering, they were ready to go. Mentored by current students and staff, teams built their own wooden bridge structures.
On a visit to the Cambridge Science Park Year 12 students received a guided tour of a working pharmaceutical facility, including a close-up look at the prescription medicine production line and laboratories. Next they met PhD researchers at the Babraham Institute, home to specialist life sciences researchers . During the Q&A there were some great words of advice:
“Speaking to the PhD students really helped me understand what university is like and to keep my options open. They also told me that nothing is stopping me from getting good grades, it is just hard work.”
19 budding scientists spent 4 days at King’s College London, Guys Campus as part of the Shadow A Scientist programme. During the programme, students spent 2 days shadowing PhD researchers in biosciences and chemistry. They also took part in inspirational workshops to prepare for university and future careers.
“I really enjoyed shadowing an actual scientist as I was able to gain a great insight into a subject area (cancer biology) which I would never have known about.”
Generating Genius is going from strength to strength thanks to the support we have received. We look forward to another busy year ahead.
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