Adapted from E.ON’s plugin2engineering online resource.
During this session your group will apply their knowledge of materials, forces and structures, build their model pylons and test to see how strong their models are. This session should fill a club timeslot as a one-off project.
In the 21st Century most UK households consume large amounts of energy. We need energy to power TVs, computers, stereos and many more electrical gadgets. 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: we do not want to waste any!
The task tests how good your group would be at building a pylon.
... being able to understand forces and materials to build structures. This is a great example of structural engineering.
Engineering can be taken at many universities, with entry requirements including A-Levels, Advanced Diplomas and Scottish Advanced Highers (www.ucas.com). Also, visit the Institution of Structural Engineers (www.istructe.org).
Related fields: building and construction, structural engineering, civil engineering.
Why not try an apprenticeship in engineering construction (www.apprenticeships.org.uk)? There are many roles in engineering construction, from design to maintenance. This industry helps to provide many of the facilities essential to the 21st Century.
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.
Cycling grows in importance as we look towards sustainable transport to save energy.
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