Inspiring engineersof the future
IMAGINEERING HELPS RED ARROWS CELEBRATE 50th DISPLAY SEASON
Lincolnshire pupils had a fun day out at STEM event hosted by the Red Arrows at RAF Scampton
Spectacular Red Arrows aerobatic display for the special day
The Hydraulic Arm Challenge proved very popular
Imagineering, together with universities high-tech companies including Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin and Mercedes joined forces with the Red Arrows to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists.
The firms showcased their work to more than 300 children at RAF Scampton, the Lincolnshire home of the world-renowned Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. Imagineering had all kinds of activities on its stand including lots of Challenges - Hydraulic Arm, Materials, Magnetic, Tools. Pupils had the opportunity to end each Morse Code messages and much fun was had with the Conductivity activity establishing what material conducted electricity or not - with some fun surprises!
The heavy mist lifted long enough for the Red Arrows to put on a special spectacular display for the visitors.
The special day, run in conjunction with The Education Business Partnership (EBP), was a feature of celebrations marking the Red Arrows’ 50th display season in 2014. It focused on the importance of studying science, technology, engineering and maths – the so-called STEM subjects.
Also in attendance, acting as STEM ambassadors, was physicist Professor Brian Cox, The Gadget Show host Jason Bradbury and Wing Commander Andy Green, who is the holder of the world land speed record. Professor Cox said: “It’s important we capture the imaginations of budding engineers and scientists at as young an age as possible. The reality is we have a shortfall of 1 million engineers in this country in the next ten years.
The celebrity guests were accompanied by Red Arrows Wing Commander Neil and also Squadron Leader Haroon Raja, Senior Engineering Officer of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, who said: “Every time the Red Arrows display in the air they represent engineering excellence – specifically the work of dozens of RAF personnel on the ground, from mechanical technicians to avionics staff’.
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Comments
The Year 7,8 & 9 students and teachers from surrounding schools who attended the event engaged with enthusiasm the challenges, and showed considerable interest in the projects presented on the Imagineering stand. It was very encouraging the number of students interested in and enquiring about engineering as a future career. Many with whom I chatted have already realised the importance of Maths and Science, their chosen subjects, as a means to furthering their ambitions in engineering.
Joy Smith said
This was a great opportunity for us to talk one-to-one to the engineers of the future! And they were a credit to their schools.