On the 7th of November pupils throughout Lowestoft and Waveney have been inspired by a series of interactive wind power and engineering workshops held by ScottishPower Renewables and Cambridge Science Centre.
Held at Ormiston Denes Academy, in Lowestoft, more than 650 students attended the hands-on COSMOS science roadshow, highlighting career opportunities available within the engineering and science sectors. Each class was able to participate in an interactive workshop tailored to inspiring young people to think about renewable energy and electricity.
Developed through a partnership with educational charity, Cambridge Science Centre, the week of educational fun, between 5th and 9th November, saw young people learn about electricity generation, wind power and much more.
Victoria Sinclair, supply chain strategy manager at ScottishPower Renewables, said: “We believe in inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists. Through hosting workshops, such as these, we are able to give back to the communities where we work, while developing a skilled, local workforce who can access the increasing jobs available on windfarms such as East Anglia ONE and lead the region’s flourishing energy industry in years to come.
“Seeing students engaged with activities inspired by the industry has been so rewarding and we hope this week has encouraged them to consider careers in the science and engineering sectors.”
The workshops represent a key element of the investment being made by ScottishPower Renewables, developer of the East Anglia ONE windfarm, and form part of its skills strategy to inspire future generations to take advantage of the booming offshore energy industry evolving off the East Anglian coast.
As part of the week young people, aged between nine and 13-years-old, from Corton Church of England Primary School, Oulton Broad Primary School, Roman Hill Primary School, Somerleyton Primary School and Woods Loke Primary School enjoyed such activities as how electricity is made and how to build your own wind turbine.
Luca, Year Seven student at Ormiston Denes Academy, added: “We’ve learnt all about electrical energy, how it’s produced and how it travels to power objects we use every day.
“The workshops have been great and have taught me a lot of things about renewable energy that I didn’t know before and I have particularly enjoyed building structures which are used in the world of energy.”
Educational charity, Cambridge Science Centre, provides hands-on, fun and educational activities for children across East Anglia, sparking scientific curiosity by bringing classroom knowledge to life through interactive exhibits, shows and workshops.
Dr Diogo Gomes from Cambridge Science Centre, said: “We are thrilled to be working with ScottishPower Renewables to bring our COSMOS Roadshows to schools and the community.“We are passionate about making STEM accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds; encouraging creativity, investigation and discovery. In Lowestoft and Waveney we are combining the best of our previous exhibitions with fantastic hands-on activities, sparking imaginations and inspiring young minds.”
For more information about ScottishPower Renewables’ East Anglia ONE project visit spreastanglia.co.uk and to find out further about Cambridge Science Centre go to www.cambridgesciencecentre.org.
