OUR WORLD IN 2050 PROJECT DAY
ST AUGUSTINE’S C OF E HIGH SCHOOL, KILBURN
FRIDAY 12TH JULY 2010
125 expectant 13 year olds, 10 volunteer engineers, 10 teachers and 1
journalist all discussing and trying to solve problems that could be
faced in 2050……it could only be the Institution of Mechanical
Engineers’ Our World in 2050 (OW2050) schools event.
Our World in 2050 is a one day off-timetable STEM enrichment activity
focusing on the topics of adaptation to climate change and
sustainability. The activity has been designed to complement and
engage with elements of the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum.
Working alongside teachers and support staff within the school this
event helps consolidate and stimulate ideas generated during science
lessons which cover climate change. Not only does it give students an
opportunity to build new skill sets, such as team-working,
communication and presentation skills, it is often the first time many
year 8 pupils will have been exposed to engineering and met with
professional engineers. It is hoped that the event will not only
encourage pupils to think of an engineering career but also understand
the importance of engineers and engineering disciplines to society.
The day started early at St. Augustine’s High, weary eyed volunteers
were ready to briefed at 8:15 prior to the students arrival at 8:45.
Split into teams and each team assigned a classroom; the volunteers
were ready to encourage the students to consider a design which
would tackle a problem or issue concerning three themes, transport,
energy and the built environment. Introductory presentations by
Samuel Bajomo and Gerald Onyekwe from M.W. Kellogg began the day
by giving a career focused viewpoint of the importance of engineers
when considering climate change within the energy industry. The
pupils were then treated to a presentation from Channel 4’s science
correspondent Julian Rush which focused on the impacts of climate
change at home and globally and the issues that we are facing not just
in 2050 but those that are already challenging engineers.
The pressure was then passed to the volunteers as the pupils began
their classroom sessions. The teams of students each had one hour per
theme in order to begin drafting design ideas. Ideas were diverse and
included an ‘eco-dome’, for if it all really did go wrong. Designs of
green wall building components were bought to life and integrated
renewable energy plants which incorporated solar panels and
geothermal components onto the already well known wind turbine
were sketched are refined. Designs were discussed, critiqued and
developed.
Following the three initial classroom sessions the students considered
business implications conducting a feasibility study in order to chose
one of their three designs to develop and present to the judges in the
final session. The standard of the presentations was staggeringly high,
and generated heated debate amongst the students.
The day was a huge success and feedback from students and teachers
was very positive. The students were encouraged to think about
challenges facing the world in the future and enjoyed learning new
skills. It is hoped that the OW2050 programme will be expanded to
other schools in London. If you are interested in taking part or
organizing an OW2050 in a school please contact Anna Davis
(anna.davis@arup.com) or James Heaton
(james.heaton@networkrail.co.uk).
Special thanks go to the event sponsors: IMechE Young Members
Panel and M.W. Kellogg Ltd for supplying prizes and volunteers; STEM
Ambassadors and Julian Rush of Channel 4.