STEM Sussex

Activity organised by:

STEM ACTIVITIES

Rapid Response Engineering Challenge

Aim:

To promote a positive image of Civil Engineering and demonstrate that engineering is challenging and varied and essential for survival.

Description

A one day problem-solving activity for Y9 pupils based on the needs of an area after a natural disaster (in this case hurricane Mitch in Honduras) and the key role civil engineering plays in providing the essentials for survival. It introduces students to key concepts of Civil Engineering in an exciting, yet structured and informative way.

The day is run as a competition between teams of 6 students. Engineers from industry attend the school for the duration of the challenge to advise and help students solve the problems. At the end of the morning students give a team presentation on their proposal for siting an emergency encampment for the people of a devastated town, taking into account water supply, pick up of emergency aid and best location for shelters and toilets. The afternoon involves constructing either a supply system to transport water or an emergency shelter using only the materials provided.

The Challenge

provides students with experience in handling uncertainty and responding positively to change.
encourages creative problem solving and implementation
develops risk-management skills and an understanding of financial planning.
allows students to develop an understanding of the business context and make informed choices between alternative uses of scarce resources.

Planning and running the session

The event is run at a school usually for 12 teams of 6 students, i.e. 72 students. Engineers from industry will give the initial presentation and supervise subsequent activities with the facilitators. Teachers will need to be available too.

The morning is spent indoors on team building and fact finding activities, ideally in a small hall or gym with a large white screen or wall for projections and a means of shutting out light. An outdoor area (20m x 20m) is needed for the afternoon session, either hard surface or playing field, for building a specified structure.