STEMNET Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network

BEP STEM CHALLENGE DAYS NOV & DEC 2011

Various Secondary Schools from Barrow in Furness and the surrounding area were visited during November and December 2011 for the BEP STEM Challenge days - the days were organised by Brian Wood of the Royal Academy of Engineering, our thanks to Brian for organising all the Schools for these events. 

On each day there was a design, build, test project based around an engineering type challenge. The focus of this varied from School to School.  Several STEM Ambassadors attended on each day - it would appear that the STEM Ambassadors had as much fun and excitement from the days as the Students.  Please see feedback from some of the supporting STEM Ambassadors below:

FEEDBACK FROM BAE STEM AMBASSADORS

• I attended the Academy last Tuesday and thought all the pupils were enthusiastic and enjoyed the challenges. The heavy rain did not dampen their spirits during the testing of the rockets, even though they were soaked through. One rocket went above the height of the school roof which was met with loud cheers. It was a great day for both pupils and ambassadors.(Gordon Turner)
• Having attended the 1st day at Ulverston Victoria High School, I had a fantastic day with the Year 8 students. It has encouraged me to get more involved with these school events. Unfortunately, my 2nd event was cancelled at Furness Academy on Monday 28th, but I will definitely be doing more again in the future. Also, a big thank you to Ahmed who had some great ideas to inspire what was a fantastic day!!  (Mark Casson)
• I enjoyed taking part in the 'rocket power' challenge day at Furness Academy. I thought that the kids were excellently behaved and they seemed to thoroughly enjoy the challenge. Ahmed from Young Engineers was enthusiastic and fun which encouraged the kids, and the ambassadors, to get stuck in. Would love to do another one. (Josh Holder)
• I attended two events during the week in November and found them both enjoyable and worthwhile. Not only could I pass on my skills to the kids but I also learnt some skills myself. These sorts of events are really good for enhancing your communication. I would just like to say thanks for all the effort that was made for putting on the events. (Carl Hill)
• I attended the Walney School challenge day. The whole day was fantastic from the time I arrived through to the challenges that were set. The day was really well organised and with the enthusiasm that the children had for the day made it feel worthwhile that I gave up my time to attend. This is the 2nd time I’ve attended Walney School for these events and both experiences have left me wanting to do this again. (Stu Walker)
• I attended Dowdales last Thursday as an Ambassador for the first time and really enjoyed the day and the experience as a whole. All the children were extremely enthusiastic by the end of the day. As always some were a bit quieter than others at the start, but overall they all seemed to have enjoyed the day and the challenges set. I will most definitely be volunteering for future events. I've already discussed the time away with my manager who, like myself, feels that input from those working directly in hands on areas of BAE should be a great benefit in terms of what the large majority of the audience is likely to experience at the start of their journeys into science, technology, engineering and maths after they finish education. (John Postlethwaite)
• I thought the days were really well planned out and covered enough for the full day. Also, it seemed that every child who I saw in the two days seemed to enjoy it, so overall I agree that it was a success! (Dan Robinson)
• I thought the day went really well. I was very impressed with the organising of the day and Ahmed's adaptability when the fire alarms went off and he had to make up the time once the children were back in the hall. The children were a pleasure to work with and very enthusiastic. They showed this by coming back early from lunch to carry on with their work, without being asked to do so. (Helen Bircher)