FaraDay ‘switching on’ the technology generation

05 March 2008

While technology touches young peoples lives more than ever before teenagers are increasingly reluctant to study science and mathematics beyond GCSE. The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is taking up the challenge to excite school children about science through a series of interactive FaraDay events being staged around the UK as part of its year long Faraday programme. The launch event will take place at The Science Musuem on 7 March.

The current decline in the post-16 uptake of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is of great concern and threatens the United Kingdom’s future technological development. Amongst other factors identified in research commissioned by the IET is the disillusionment with science reported by children moving from primary to secondary education. Senior school students complain of spending less time on practical work and more on just passively receiving knowledge from their teachers.

In an initiative targeting schoolchildren the IET has developed the FaraDay events series to inspire a curiosity in science and an enthusiasm for ‘switching-on’. Themed as ‘Technology for Life’ each of the all day events will be led by charismatic presenters, with workshops and break-out sessions designed to maximise the children’s participation. Amongst other activities, the children will work in teams to diagnose simulated medical emergencies and judge the merits of four competing concept machines designed to improve healthcare.

The series of FaraDay events is being sponsored by BAE Systems who employs over 18,000 engineers in the United Kingdom and is currently training 1,000 engineering apprentices. Following the launch at The Science Museum, London on 7 March, at the start of National Science and Engineering Week, the FaraDay event will be staged also at the Glasgow Science Centre on 10 March, the Rotherham Magna Centre on 12 March and at Portsmouth Naval Base on 2 April.

The big ‘switch-off’ identified by the IET’s reseach has been supported by the latest university course choices statistics released by UCAS. The figures for 2008 show a marked decline in students opting to study science and engineering related subjects at university. Amongst the biggest falls were in Electronic & Electrical Engineering down by 15.6%, Physics down by 14.5% and combinations of sciences with engineering/technology down by 13.5%.

The Faraday is an easily accessible, year long resource available to all schools. Engagement with young people, teachers and parents is achieved through a programme of specially made videos, student challenges, live events, school visits and teaching resources supported by a dedicated website.

The programme provides a dynamic introduction to the world of engineering and aims to inspire young people to study the relevant examination subjects. The vital role engineering plays in improving everyday lives is clearly demonstrated in a very direct and thought provoking way.

Based on the theme of Technology for Life, Faraday 2008 explores the incredible technology which is saving lives and improving the quality of life for millions of people across the world. Four specially made short films illustrate how scientists, engineers and technologists apply their knowledge of engineering and health in their daily working lives.

Media contacts:

Eric Beech
Head of Communications
T: +44 (0)1438 767336
M: +44 (0) 7725498116
E: ebeech@theiet.org

Mary Donovan
Media and PR Officer
T: +44 (0)1438 765587
M: +44 (0) 7725498117
E: mdonovan@theiet.org