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Calvin Asks: How can I keep my daughter inspired in engineering subjects?

My daughter is 11 and loves all things STEM! However they don’t do a lot of science at school and I want to make sure she stays interested in the subject.

I am clueless about engineering and I was hoping to get some advice about interesting activities to inspire her.

I'm a single mum and money is tight, so big expensive things are out – any suggestions on what I can do?

Looking for inspiration - Brighton

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0 Former Community Member over 5 years ago

Some very interesting discussion in this thread. In terms of why youngsters drop out of STEM subjects, that's a whole other discussion! I have a wide circle of acquaintances a reasonable percentage of whom almost revel in their lack of understanding of since and technology, wearing it like a badge of honour! They are the first to complain when the technology doesn't work of course....... I am still struggling with how to deal with that!

Anyway, to keep to the original question, I wondered what might be available in the way of after school or weekend clubs/activities. The most exciting thing for me has always been the opportunity to create something. I found the following with a short Internet search which might be worth more investigation (although what costs might be involved isn't clear);

https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-clubs
https://imagineering.org.uk/clubs/information
https://www.borntoengineer.com/

Of course, the IET does try to support schools through its Schools Liaison Programme but that must inevitably rely on engaged and enthusiastic teachers at at the youngster's school.

In terms of TV programmes (which a previous contributor mentioned as a good source of inspiration) I would thoroughly recommend The Big Life Fix with Simon Reeve - truly inspiring;
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09g5hwf

I hope that there are many opportunities for young people in this new year.

John Sullivan CEng, MIET
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0 Former Community Member over 5 years ago

Some very interesting discussion in this thread. In terms of why youngsters drop out of STEM subjects, that's a whole other discussion! I have a wide circle of acquaintances a reasonable percentage of whom almost revel in their lack of understanding of since and technology, wearing it like a badge of honour! They are the first to complain when the technology doesn't work of course....... I am still struggling with how to deal with that!

Anyway, to keep to the original question, I wondered what might be available in the way of after school or weekend clubs/activities. The most exciting thing for me has always been the opportunity to create something. I found the following with a short Internet search which might be worth more investigation (although what costs might be involved isn't clear);

https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-clubs
https://imagineering.org.uk/clubs/information
https://www.borntoengineer.com/

Of course, the IET does try to support schools through its Schools Liaison Programme but that must inevitably rely on engaged and enthusiastic teachers at at the youngster's school.

In terms of TV programmes (which a previous contributor mentioned as a good source of inspiration) I would thoroughly recommend The Big Life Fix with Simon Reeve - truly inspiring;
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09g5hwf

I hope that there are many opportunities for young people in this new year.

John Sullivan CEng, MIET
Cancel
Vote Up 0 Vote Down

Cancel

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Calvin Asks: How can I keep my daughter inspired in engineering subjects?

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