Cycling is becoming increasingly important as we become more ‘green’ and look towards sustainable transport to save energy. During the activity your group will use key skills, such as team work and communication. They will need to be creative with their initial ideas but should refine them for their final product.
Using alternative forms of transport such as cycling and walking could help cut the number of cars on the roads and thus help reduce our carbon emissions. The Brompton folding bike (www.brompton.co.uk) is a possible personal transport solution, allowing users to rethink and adapt their journeys at will.
This session should fill a club timeslot as a one-off project, and is most suitable for small groups rather than class sizes.
In this three part activity, the group will be split into small teams. Having been given project roles, they should develop an engineered product to enable personal transport and sustainability. This will be in the form of a gadget to be attached to, and powered by, the bike.
The students will produce an initial design, conduct market research, them create a detailed design following feedback.
... looking at how to provide a practical solution to a human need, taking into account factors such as the environment and economy. This is a good example of design engineering.
Leaders in this field must have many of the skills highlighted throughout this activity. Look for both specific (BSc Product Design or BEng Design Engineering) and general engineering (BEng or MEng Engineering) courses on www.ucas.ac.uk. You will need A Levels or equivalent qualifications.
Related fields: Mechanical engineering
Would you rather work and earn at the same time? Try an apprenticeship (www.apprenticeships. org.uk). A Transport Engineering and Maintenance Apprenticeship deals with the maintenance and repair of passenger carrying vehicles (PCVs) for example buses and coaches.
In Scotland visit www apprenticeshipsinscotland.com and in Wales wales.gov.uk/apprenticeships.
Resources
Creating captivating cornflour invites pupils to discover the properties of this curious material in a fun, but often messy activity.
Engineering enables: running blades explores the forces in moving systems and materials, in the context of designing a prosthetic limb
The right switch: discover Quantum Tunnelling Composite and technical textiles. As we invest in more mobile technology, we run the risk of bulging pockets and heavy handbags. This activity looks at finding a solution to this problem.
Moving house: investigating earthquakes and building materials. Did you know that buildings move? What happens to buildings in an earthquake or strong wind?
How is food packaged? Introducing thermochromatic paints and their application.
Smart muscle
Introducing ideas about keeping materials and tools cool in space.
As we try to use more renewable sources of energy and reduce our use of fossil fuels, it is important to ensure that electricity gets to us in an easy but efficient way
Milking it: Many products bought today are made from or contain plastic. How is it made, and what applications does it have?
Explore the role of STEM in how we hear sounds, record and play back music
Learn how sensor systems (motes) can be used to monitor the environment outside an aircraft.
This resource is designed to help students learn about the STEM involved in designing and making their own hovercraft.
Making waves explores how engineers have applied their knowledge of waves to make life better.
This equation impacts our lives in many areas, from computing to the shape of a football.
A STEM learning and teaching resource that shows how engineers have applied their knowledge to improve the security of the internet.
Explore a variety of magical maths activities, from multiplication tips to card tricks.
Are we connected? is a STEM teaching and learning resource that explores engineering through the technology we communicate and connect with.
Light Saver is a STEM resource that explores new technology developed by scientists and engineers that uses the properties of light to help save lives.
Power Up! looks at different types of energy, energy in engineering, the importance of electricity and how it is generated. It investigates different types of renewable energy sources through a number of hands-on practical activities.
Design our trophy