Aspiring engineers at a Didcot school put their design and problem-solving skills to the test during a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) event that challenged them to build their own motorised fans.
The Year 8 students at Aureus School tested their science and engineering skills at the House of Fun ibrick STEM and Careers Workshop, which involved combining LEGO bricks and motorised parts to design and create a series of working models.
Scientific concepts explored during the sessions included centrifugal force, and transmissions and gear ratios, which involved constructing the fans – a welcome project in the hot weather.
“Jake from House of Fun came along to deliver ibrick sessions to the students, and they were able to build, create, and explore a variety of engineering concepts using LEGO bricks,” said Nichola Poulton, Science Technician and Teaching Assistant at Aureus, which is part of the GLF Schools multi-academy trust.
“They were building motorised fans, which were very much appreciated in a warm room. The students were able to use their knowledge of the cogs and gears in order to help make the fans turn faster.”
There was also the opportunity for the students to invent their own designs and experiments.
“We have been hosting this event for a few years, and it is a great experience for the students to explore some different scientific concepts in a fun learning environment,” added Ms Poulton.
“It is a great way to engage students in both scientific and creative learning.”
