VIEW FROM THE CLASSROOM
designs and they are also able to develop prototypes using the 3D printers before using the workshop to physically produce objects accurately. This experience has helped them to develop the whole process from design through to realisation.
What special projects have they been working on in school? It has been an exciting time in the workshop over recent weeks and our pupils have been enthused and excited by the new equipment and the projects they are working on this term, which have included; a noughts and crosses style game that the children have designed themselves before producing the final piece in wood. Year 5 also used SketchUp to design a tangram
The new facility includes brand new purpose-
laid flooring with a full rewire, a range of new workbenches and a full tool refit. Some of the tools we have purchased include a pillar drill, band saws, fret saws and a range of high-end materials and hand tools. We have found that having a dedicated
engineering technology workshop offers pupils a totally new experience and the ability to study a subject that the school was previously unable to offer. The opportunities for design and product development will be invaluable in broadening their knowledge and giving them exposure to the principles of mechanical engineering.
Why do you think investment in these kinds of facilities is so relevant right now? For schools generally, investing in new facilities that will inspire the next generation of engineers is an important step for the future. Many schools are investing in new technologies and in the number of powered and hand tools they have on site to allow children to ‘bring their ideas to life’. We find that the use of Chromebooks and 3D printing facilities also enhances the design opportunities for our children. Much of the engineering shortfall in this country is in the automated or design stages of the process but without an awareness of properties of materials or construction stages, children will not be able to create realistic designs. It’s also no secret that colleges and universities
have struggled with decreasing numbers of students taking engineering related subjects. Generating greater awareness of the plethora of different jobs that require engineering skills is vital in creating change. Opportunities for apprenticeships or work experience can also showcase the various roles out there. There is also still a misconception surrounding the roles that engineering offers and there must be a more active and determined drive to recruit more female engineers in this country.
How are the children benefiting from learning about engineering? We have focused on creating lessons that allow children to explore, think creatively and freely about a problem without being told what is wrong or right and to experience success when they have solved a problem or improved on a design is important. Some of our recent lessons
December 2020
have helped the children to evaluate and think critically about why something did not work in the manner they were expecting. This ability to question and experiment will help to nurture the future generation of engineers. Engineering helps children to develop risk taking and to become independent learners who have transferable skills as opposed to facts they are able to regurgitate during a formal exam.
How well have the children responded to using engineering machinery and equipment? Really well and with great enthusiasm! Obviously all machinery is operated with a qualified member of staff present and under strict safety guidelines, our new equipment gives pupils the opportunity to develop and master their newfound engineering skills. We are using machinery for tasks such as cutting, sanding, joining, measuring and more.
What skills does engineering help children to develop and how has that translated across other subjects? Engineering equips children with the ability to problem solve, think creatively, work to a deadline, work collaboratively and lead a team, it also builds resilience in the face of failure, using failure as a springboard to try again. There are also practical skills to be gained as well as evaluating, building prototypes, and commenting on the efficacy of theirs and others' work. The skills developed in engineering also
transfer across other subjects too. The ability to problem solve will support mathematical skills, teamwork, leadership, project management, working independently, communications, discussing an idea or solution, presenting to others in class etc. Jobs in the 21st Century develop and change so rapidly that they require candidates who are able to develop and evolve with them. The idea of leaving university and remaining in one job or career for life is no longer realistic.
What technology have the children been using? Working with artificial intelligence helps to improve the testing of real life applications. At Edge Grove many of our children have been using SketchUp (a 3D design programme) to help with
www.education-today.co.uk 17
and are using the new facilities to put this into production. Year 6 are researching and designing a passive speaker docking system and have been using the engineering workshop to produce these, evaluate their finished products and offer possible improvements to the design. We have seen some impressive results and some real enthusiasm from our pupils. To be honest, any topic that requires a degree
of problem solving can be used to help nurture an interest in engineering. This could involve building a den in the garden, testing structures, joints, ropes, ensuring it is waterproof, windproof and fit for purpose – these are all important principles of engineering. Growing food for the family is another great idea for inspiring an interest, by looking at design, planning crop rotation, organising watering systems, crop protection etc. Equally, designing a go-kart or improving a toy car for aerodynamics can be great fun for children. Looking at gears on bikes and experiments involving speed, paper aeroplanes and insulating materials are all great exercises for questioning if something works effectively and considering ways to improve it.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
