Ambassador case study May 09

May 2009 - Maths

Ambassador: Stephen Foster, Ventilation Project Engineer

Event: Caithness Youngsters Host Engineering Launch-pad

September 2008: Thurso High School’s Young Engineers Club hosted Launch-pad, showing off past projects and launching this year’s challenge - Greenpower F24 electric car racing.  The club encourages young boys and girls to explore how things work (or don't), to see engineering as fun, and to learn how theory links to practical applications.  Past projects included a prototype F24 electric racing car and remotely operated vehicles (ROV) for under-sea rescue. 

Technical teacher and club leader, Andy Ford, is assisted by Dounreay Engineer Steve Foster, who helps pupils design and commission their products. Steve  has recently become a STEM Ambassador, and believes the scheme helps schools to more easily access knowledge and experience from people practicing engineering.  Launch-pad displayed a selection of inventions from Caithness’s professional and amateur technical folk, many home built.  These included a single-seat racing car; a custom engineered Triumph motor-cycle, model boats, and much more.  The event was well attended by children, parents and others interested in encouraging engineering in children.  Dounreay Site Director Simon Middlemas listened to the pupils’ presentations, and was impressed by their enthusiasm and achievements. 

For 2008 - 2009 the club are aiming to build on last year’s victory in the Spirit of Greenpower prize at Alford race track, by entering a national competition for F24 electric car racing (www.greenpower.co.uk).  The mission is to redesign the original vehicle, encouraging participation from other schools in the region.  In teams of 6, pupils put together design proposals, project plans and estimates. Local craftsmen, engineers and businesses provided labour, materials or funds. The club has raised finance for four F24 electric car design-and-build projects which are now in the construction phase, involving 20 to 25 Thurso High School pupils, and an 8 strong team of technical teachers and Ambassadors whom meet on Tuesday evenings and sometimes on Saturdays.