Newcastle University

Newcastle University Business School played host to four schools from across the region for the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) annual Festival of Social Science Week 2012 which saw pupils create a mini space robot inspired by NASA’s Curiosity rover currently on Mars.  

This is the fifth year the Business School’s Director of Small Enterprise Research Unit’s (SERU), Professor Pooran Wynarczyk, has supported this week – running from 3 -10 November - to help raise awareness of, and promote a greater participation in, design, aerospace, motorsports, science, technology, engineering and mathematics initiatives amongst teachers and pupils from the North East of England.

With a jam packed day of pupils meeting companies like GoMotorsport, Engineering Development Trust, Newcastle Aviation Academy and the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), there were also two key practical activities bringing learning to life while promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical (STEM) skills and interest.

Groups of pupils between the ages of nine and fifteen took part in the K’NEX challenge: where they designed and built a structure using teamwork and key mathematical and engineering skills.  The structure had to be able to carry a shoe, be as tall as possible, and have the ability to move.

The Mars rover activity saw pupils build a mini rover to replicate NASA’s Curiosity rover that landed on Mars in August 2012.  The teams of pupils had to choose the best method to power the rover and create a device that could take samples from an intergalactic surface; these were then judged and raced at the end of the day.

Prizes were awarded to the teams whose rover demonstrated a range of capabilities including measuring 17cm long, being able to transport an antenna without dropping it and then being the first to race over the finish line.

The event, entitled ‘Role model platform for young scientists’, was one of 185 free events taking place throughout the UK during the week.  David Howell, Director of operations for BIC, confirmed the importance of working with young people:

“We love getting involved in days like these as it allows us to increase our work with young people and ensure that their innovative minds are supported and they continue to be inspired.

“It is important for us to help create opportunities, like today, so that young people view enterprise as a valid option, whilst at the same time, enabling them to understand that companies like BIC are here to support them in their future business ventures.”

Professor Wynarczyk, the organiser of the event, conducts research into the area of STEM activities and young people, she commented on the success of the day:

“We are very pleased to see such a wide range of communities coming together with a great turnout of pupils and local STEM representatives at this year’s event.  It allows us, as academics, to bring our research to life and is a way of providing informal education to young people to promote and generate further interest in STEM activities.”

The exhibitors put on a number of other fun activities throughout the day that saw pupils from all of the schools compete. 

Alex Livingston, from St Bede’s RC School, was part of an all-girl team that attended the day’s events.  She commented on the day:

“I like how there is no set answer to doing these types of activities (STEM).  You get to be creative and use your hands whilst learning about how things work.”

The schools that attended the event were Jarrow School, St Bede’s RC School, George Stephenson High School and Whitburn Church of England School.

Please read more on Newcastle University Business School’s research and events.