Posted: 12/11/12
Inspiring the next generation of technicians and engineers
Schoolchildren learnt more about careers in science, technology, engineering and maths at a series of events hosted by West Nottinghamshire College last week.
Nottinghamshire County Council is funding up to 100 schools across the county to take part in the Bloodhound Project – an education programme tied-in with an ambitious bid to design and build a car capable of breaking the world land-speed record.
From Monday to Friday (5-9 November) over 500 children from 11 primary schools and a secondary school enjoyed activity workshops aimed at igniting their interest in STEM subjects – including a ‘balloon car’ challenge, which tested their knowledge of jet-propulsion technology – while learning more about industry and the skills required in today’s workplaces.
They also heard about the Bloodhound Super Sonic Car – the vehicle being designed to take the land-speed record to over 1,000 mph – while college students learned more about engineering and maths projects.
Deputy principal Patricia Harman said: “These sessions provided an excellent opportunity for school pupils to take part in an exciting, real-life engineering project and develop their problem-solving skills.
“We hope the children and young people felt inspired to consider studying science, technology, engineering or maths as these are the kind of subjects which could lead to a range of exciting careers.”
Launched in 2008, the Bloodhound Project helps young people understand how important aerodynamics, weight and quality of engineering design are to the performance of the car.
Caption: Nick Naylor from the Bloodhound Education Team with Wynndale Primary School children Bethany Cotterill, Cameron Wheatley and Emily Kimberley
