Students plot the future of innovation at special STEM workshop

Toothpaste and paper aeroplanes can be just as useful as test tubes and calculators when it comes to studying Science, Maths and Engineering. That’s what a group of our secondary students discovered at a recent STEM workshop hosted by Brooklands Innovation Academy.

For many adults, STEM is one of those acronyms that you often hear but can’t quite remember what it stands for. But for many young people, these four letters spell the future. Studying the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) are essential to equipping the global workplace with the skills it needs. Forecasters estimate that by 2030, the UK will need an extra 150,000 scientists to fulfil the research and development jobs the economy will require.

The Brooklands Innovation Academy was established to inspire and support young people into STEM careers. This takes the form of a series of lead-in events that culminate in an annual celebration of STEM. This celebration brings together 400 students, businesses and inspirational speakers to engage students in a series of workshops and talks. All these focus on the future and the potential role the young people could play as STEM innovators and leaders. This is all within the historic context of Brooklands Museum which sits on the site of the former Brooklands Motor Course. It was on this site that trailblazers, innovators, scientists and engineers changed the world through innovations in STEM throughout the 20th century.

Students from Howard of Effingham, Oxted School, Three Rivers Academy and Thomas Knyvett College attended a special Brooklands Innovation Academy workshop in February. During the day the young people:

• Created their own toothpaste – to understand the importance and significance of the chemicals that go into the product
• Examined the Maths behind product claims – exploring the world of market research and the significance of “P-values”
• Took a tour of Concorde – and discussed the Maths needed to design the iconic delta wings
• Made their own paper aeroplanes – to put the theory into practice

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Year 9 students from the four Howard Partnership Trust secondary schools. Their levels of engagement and enthusiasm in the workshops were rewarding for us at Brooklands Museum and we hope the opportunity has inspired these young people to consider the varied STEM careers which are available to them. We look forward to working with more pupils from the trust in future.”

The Howard Partnership Trust strives to deliver life-changing education. We are committed to unearthing the excellence that lies within every young person to bring out the best. We believe it is important to take advantage of new and innovative approaches to learning that help students appreciate the role they can play in shaping the future.