The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has unveiled its Faraday 08/09 programme, the latest in a line of award-winning resources for teachers of science, design and technology, engineering and maths. Michael Faraday, after whom this initiative is named, was clearly a forward-thinking individual, credited as a great innovator and communicator. The IET hopes that its new online resource will be just as innovative and communicative, inspiring students to take up science and engineering related subjects at an early age - something that the government desperately seeks, but is seemingly unable to achieve.
The Faraday website (http://faraday.theiet.org/) gives teachers access to educational material, linked to the curriculum (with materials primarily designed for K3, GCSE and the new Engineering Diploma). Armed with this material, teachers should be better placed to raise the enthusiasm of their students for science-based subjects.
Following the success of previous programmes, this year sees the focus being diverted to 'Engineering in Sport'. It made perfect sense then, that this latest project was officially unveiled at the state-of-the-art Emirates Stadium in North London. The IET played host to a variety of speakers from both its own organisation and from UK schools, and the reaction from all those attending the launch was overwhelmingly positive. IET president, John Loughhead set the scene.
"The IET Faraday 08/09 programme is designed to demonstrate the excitement and value of engineering as a career. The IET introduced it to support the efforts of dedicated teachers who not only encourage this during their working hours but also give up so much of their spare time to motivate young people. There is a growing acceptance that, despite improved exam results this year, we need more young engineers and because of this demand, there has never been a better time to choose engineering or one of its associated disciplines as a career."
The new website showcases some specially made films highlighting cutting-edge sports technology and the engineers behind it, with associated flexible teaching and learning materials. The site also hosts the Faraday competition, whereby entrants are encouraged to utilise a material named 'd30' in a new and innovative way. Additionally, schools from all over the UK will be invited to send teams of Year 8 students to participate in locally held Faraday Engineering Challenge Days.
We can only hope that this further initiative will bear fruit, and wish it every success.
Simon Rowley
Assistant Editor
Do you have any comments to make on this or any other subject covered in these newsletters? We are always pleased to receive feedback from readers; simply email simon.rowley@imlgroup.co.uk or les.hunt@imlgroup.co.uk.
Meanwhile, we hope you find the information provided in this newsletter both interesting and useful. Please read on…..