STEMNET Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network

The Our World in 2050 event organised by IMechE took place at St Benedict's Catholic school in Whitehaven. Cumbria. Year 8 students took part in a number of group activites within their form groups throughout the day, which got them thinking about the effects of climate change, the causes and potential solutions to some of the issues. Their task was to choose one aspect of climate change and develop an engineering solution to it. The groups went on to present their work to their form group and then the group who put together the best presentation in each class went on to present again to the entire year group, with the overall winners recieving Camelot theme park tickets. The level of awareness of climate change at such a young age was impressive and the students stayed focused throughout the day, producing some novel and innovative solutions. The day was a huge success and the pupils left with not only a deeper understanding of climate change and the ways we can lessen its effects but also with an understanding of how engineers tackle problems. The day also gave them the opportunity to work in teams and to practice their presentation skills, both of which will come in useful throughout school and beyond.