Year 6 students from Cherry Hinton CofE and Teversham CofE (VA) primary schools were brought together on Wednesday 24th January for a Cambridge LaunchPad event with Mott MacDonald at their offices on Station Road, Cambridge. Volunteers from across the organisation took part in the STEM outreach activity day, which is managed by Form the Future CIC.
Azu Hatch, Mechanical Services Building Engineer at Mott MacDonald, said “Mott MacDonald love that we have everyday opportunities to be ambassadors and inspire our future engineers. The energy and freshness that the children bring inspires us too.”
The theme of the day was designing durable structures in extreme environments. The volunteers developed interesting, hands-on activities that included building a windproof and waterproof building around a teddy bear, testing water filtration through steep, wooded or built-up landscapes and making cross-beams out of chocolate and rice crispies.
Paula Hnat, Year 6 Teacher at Cherry Hinton CofE Primary School, said “A career in engineering is in reach for our pupils, and it’s been so encouraging for them to meet and work with so many female engineers.“
The six students that most impressed the volunteers with their enthusiasm, creativity and teamwork were selected to attend a prize trip that will take place in July, alongside Year 4–6 students from other schools that are taking part in Cambridge LaunchPad.
Katie Whitmore, Year 6 Teacher at Teversham CofE (VA) Primary School, said “It was a great opportunity for the children to work together. They had to think outside the box and solve problems. It helped them to realise that engineering really is all around them! Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to experience the branches of STEM with real experts in real-life contexts.“
This programme aims to enthuse and encourage more young people, particularly girls and young women, into STEM careers. By exposing them to intimidating subjects, such as engineering, at a young age and introducing them to inspiring role models, we hope to make these career paths accessible and attractive to the next generation.
Anna Aldred, STEM Outreach and Cambridge LaunchPad Project Manager from Form the Future CIC, said “It has been wonderful to bring Cherry Hinton and Teversham Primary Year 6’s together today. The teamwork and enthusiasm among the students was a perfect demonstration of what we are trying to achieve with Cambridge LaunchPad.”
We are always excited to welcome new schools and businesses to join the Cambridge LaunchPad programme. If you would like to find our more information, please contact Anna at aaldred@formthefuture.org.uk.
