Students from schools in Hampshire became real-life engineers for a day when they researched, designed and built solutions to real engineering problems.
On Friday 16th May, The University of Southampton hosted the Faraday Challenge Day, provided by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Teams from Sturmeister School, Testwood School, Toynbee School, Romsey School and Thorndon School took part.
Forty-five educational establishments across the UK have been chosen to host the 2013-14 IET Faraday Challenge Days. Six teams of local school students competed to find the best solution to an engineering-related challenge.
The brief for these young engineers is shrouded in secrecy to avoid unfair preparation and research. Teams raced against the clock to solve a real-life engineering problem, putting their engineering and technology knowledge and skills to the test.
Gareth James, IET Head of Education, said: “Students who take part in the Faraday Challenge Days experience hands-on design and practical work giving them a peek into the life of a real engineer, the variety of engineering out there and the central role it plays in our everyday lives.
“There is huge demand for new engineers and technicians and we are confident that this will challenge young people’s perceptions of engineers and hopefully make them consider engineering as a career choice.”
The events aim to encourage more young people to study and consider exciting and rewarding careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) by using creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills.
Each team member in the winning group will be awarded a prize and a trophy for their school. The top three teams from across the UK will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the national final in London next year to compete for a cash prize of up to £1,000 for their school.
The Faraday Challenge Days are part of a wider Faraday education programme, made up of a whole host of teaching resources and activities to inspire and attract the engineers of tomorrow.
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Notes to editors:
- For more information, visit: http://faraday.theiet.org/
- Interview opportunities are available with IET spokespersons.
- The IET is Europe’s largest professional body of engineers with over 150,000 members in 127 countries.
- For more information, visit www.theiet.org.
- Follow the IET on Twitter.
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