Schools & Young People

At the beginning of 2010 we were contracted by NESTA to develop experiential learning sessions for their pioneering iDiscover programme. The programme helps 11-16 year olds ''develop the skills and attributes they will need in an innovation-driven society''. We have been regularly delivering these experiences at schools in London and Manchester since March 2010. Due to good feedback we were asked to deliver at schools in Scotland during the Spring of 2011. The programme will come to a close in Summer 2011 and NESTA have encouraged us to continue working with schools.

THE SESSIONS

We offer four workshops designed for KS3 pupils of Design Technology and Science which combine practical and technical skills with creative design and theoretical elements. In addition to these workshops we have a taster session which gives pupils and teachers an opportunity to meet the V3 team. The four workshops each have three phases: analysis, design and build. During the analysis phase pupils think about environmental issues and learn about the physics and mechanics of renewable energy generation as they evaluate past and present products and technologies. The design phase involves pupils working as individuals and as members of a team to apply creative thinking and come up with innovative designs. The bulk of most of the workshops is practical in which pupils work hands-on to make parts from scratch and assemble pre-prepared components, giving them the opportunity to realise their designs and empowering them to develop their practical skills.

PEDAL POWERED TASTER

20 minute session for 25 pupils. An opportunity for pupils and teachers to meet the V3 team.

This is an interactive show where we demonstrate pedal generators of various shapes and sizes allowing the pupils to make them power a range of electrical items.

BUILD A WIND-UP TORCH

2 ½ hour session for 6-18 pupils where they each design and build their own wind-up torch to keep.

Pupils work together in small groups to dismantle a commercially available wind-up torch and together we analyse how it works with reference to the physics and mechanics involved. They are then presented with the components of a simple wind-up torch that we have developed. We discuss the properties of the components with the pupils and ask them to work out how they should be arranged. Finally, using soldering irons and screwdrivers they assemble the circuit board and put together the casing to complete the torch.

SCRAPHEAP CHALLENGE

2 ½ hour session for 6-18 pupils where they design and assemble pedal generators out of scrap materials.

Pupils are split into two groups and challenged to design and build a pedal generator out of scrap materials. First we analyse a range of designs to help pupils gain an understanding of how pedal generators work. Then we present each group with the necessary 'scrap' components and ask them to work as a team on coming up with a design. Using basic tools the groups then compete against the clock to realise their designs then use them to power music and lights.

BUILD A WIND TURBINE

6 hours for 6-18 pupils where they each build a functioning wind turbine to keep.

This starts with a quick theoretical discussion looking at energy and putting wind turbines into context. Pupils are then split into groups and rotate around three ‘bases’; blade carving, copper coil winding and bearing/magnet positioning. At each base they learn about the physics and mechanics relevant to the different parts of a turbine and fabricate these using hand saws & drills, spanners and soldering irons. Once the turbines are assembled they are taken outside to test in the wind and/or lined up opposite our fan.

HUMAN POWERED GENERATOR

6 hours for 6-18 pupils where they learn about energy and the impact of their lifestyles on the environment then design and build a human-powered generator.

Pupils are split into groups and rotate around four mini-workshops addressing different theoretical aspects of energy. Next, pupils are presented with various designs and parts of human powered generators before being encouraged to use what they have learnt to design and assemble their own. On completion the generator is tested by using it to power various common electrical items for pupils to evaluate the effectiveness of their design and link this to their lifestyles.