Build, program and control autonomous LEGO robots…
Are you ready to go on a journey of exploration and fun? We spoke to Erika Smallridge, Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge Manager, to find out what makes a strong application for this curriculum-linked programme.
What is Tomorrow’s Engineers all about?
Our aim at EngineeringUK is to inspire tomorrow’s engineers and we do this through inspiration, information and interaction. We give young people the opportunity to see the practical application of classroom learning, when they get hands-on with engineering alongside support from, and interaction with, STEM professionals. We aim to provide accurate, up-to-date careers information for young people, parents, teachers and careers advisors by working with the engineering community, including professional engineering institutions.
Programmes we run include: Tomorrow’s Engineers Energy Quest, Tomorrow’s Engineers careers resources, Big Bang Near Me, The Big Bang Competition and the Big Bang UK Fair, for which online entry is now open. As well as these exciting opportunities, we have the Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge. We invite all young people to enter their projects to The Big Bang Competition and invite schools to take part in the programmes available. Projects this year have received recognition on the global stage.
Can you tell us more about Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge?
It’s a curriculum-linked programme that sees students (11–14 years-old) working together in teams to solve real-world engineering, technology and computing challenges. Student teams across the country learn how to build, program and control autonomous LEGO® robots to complete a series of short, exciting aviation missions using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education EV3 sets.
We know that, whatever their ability, young people involved in the challenge can apply their interests in robotics, programming, STEM and, of course, LEGO®! The Challenge gives young people - of all backgrounds - a chance to work with like-minded people, do something fun and hands-on, whilst developing new knowledge and employability skills. Teachers say some of the additional skills young people develop include: teamworking, communication, research and problem-solving — all great skills for life.
How do you inspire young people to consider STEM careers through engaging hands-on experiences?
We provide opportunities for young people to try STEM for themselves, highlighting the real-world application of what they study at school; we show them how they can use their skills and get excited about STEM. We showcase the range of areas in which STEM skills are used to shape the world around us. Our programmes are supported by STEM professionals, which gives young people the chance to talk directly to someone in the industry about their job and how they got into it. We also have diverse role models as real-life case studies to help every young person involved find someone they can relate to.
Why do you think STEM and enterprise education programmes are important?
The estimated annual shortfall of engineering talent coming from the educational pipeline is between 37,000 and 59,000 people.
“We need more engineers: 203,000 people with engineering skills (level 3+) will be needed every year until 2024 to meet demand. “ — Erika Smallridge
We need more young people (and those they look to for advice) to understand 21st century engineering and the huge range of career opportunities it offers.
What do you think makes a promising application for the Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge?
Schools should submit a written application form describing in 500 words (maximum):
1. How the Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge could be run in school, in curriculum time or as an extracurricular activity;
2. Describe the school background, perhaps how OFSTED describes the school;
3. How the school aims to widen participation in STEM subjects, and particularly in engineering subjects, through the Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge and other initiatives;
4. Explain the impact that the Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge will be expected to have on teachers and on the young people in the school;
5. If there is already a connection to a STEM Ambassador or a local engineer/engineering company, this should be highlighted in the application.
Find out about previous Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge winners and apply to take part in the 2018/19 programme.
If you enjoyed this article, you might consider coming to our course in Cambridge this summer on Engineering and Physics with Autonomous Cars.
Oxbridge Inspire delivers innovative STEM education and provides guidance and inspiration to young people wishing to pursue STEM subjects at University and beyond. To find out more about Oxbridge Inspire and the courses and activities we offer, visit our website.
