About Flying Futures
Flying Futures was an aviation engineering based roadshow inspired and supported by 21 engineers across 15 primary schools and 3 public events. Delivered by Maker{Futures} at the University of Sheffield in partnership with the Work-wise Foundation and the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, this public engagement programme took inspiration from a heritage delta-winged Vulcan aircraft based at Sheffield Doncaster Airport.
The project team made up of Maker{Futures} experts in engineering engagement collaborated with 21 local engineering volunteers to set-up and deliver the events within schools. Combining expertise from engineers at the University of Sheffield and local industry specialising in sustainable development of aerospace and aviation, a series of 10 activities were co-developed to ask and explore ‘big questions’ in aviation and aerospace.
The project sought to engage with children (4-11) and their teachers in primary schools with particular focus on underrepresented audiences including girls and/or those in the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. Fifteen local schools took part in the roadshow introducing primary schools to the value of engineering education practices and the need to develop engineering habits of mind such as problem solving, creativity and collaboration in young people to support future career development in the sector and beyond. Each event was led by the Maker{Futures} team working alongside engineer volunteers and was provided free to schools.
