About ‘Engineering Academy’ – Exploring an A to Z of Engineering
In some shape or form, children experience engineering every day. But most are unlikely to know how wide engineering extends – they might not realise there’s engineering behind the food they eat, the games console they play or even the footpaths they walk on. They may also not recognise how engineering shapes and benefits many aspects of society.
Multi-media for children and families
‘Engineer Academy’ is a multi-media project helping introduce and inspire children to explore a wide range of engineering and discover the opportunities that engineering offers everyone, irrespective of their backgrounds.
Through a series of 26 radio programmes, broadcast on national radio station Fun Kids and available as podcasts, the project covered an A to Z of engineering – from Acoustics to Zoological, exploring each ‘letter’ and providing opportunities for children to hear engineers talk about what they do and what inspired them to become engineers, with additional information online to help children find out more.
The series launched on Fun Kids in November 2022, with audio also available as podcasts to listen again on the Fun Kids website and for free download through the podcast channel.
Online resources complemented each episode, and children can download and complete inspiring and fun activity resources as they progress through the Academy.
The project also hosted ‘Academy Live’ events, including 11 primary school workshops with 530 year 5 and 6 children. In response to one school who asked if the team would run the workshop for younger years, the workshop was tailored to suit them and delivered it to 100 children in year 3 and 4 classes. Also hosted one ‘Live Event’ with 164 children and parents attending.
Learning for Engineers
‘Engineer Academy’ helped young engineers learn and practise skills to become better communicators and public engagers. Through workshops, the project provided tools to discuss engineering projects – whether to members of the public, the press or politicians. Engineers also had opportunities to contribute to the 26 radio programmes.
The project hosted 9 communication skills workshops between June 2022 and July 2023. The workshops provided guidance on how to research and prepare talks, develop interview skills and be more confident in public engagement. They helped engineers learn how to communicate their jobs to young audiences, and what to consider, adapt or change for different audiences. Most attendees were pleased to discover that their jobs really can fascinate and engage children.
