1. www.engineeringthefuture.info PROFESSIONAL ADAPTABLE INDISPENSABLE INVENTIVE CREATIVE Engineering the Future: working together to enhance understanding, commitment and participation in engineering Engineering is essential to everything that a modern society needs to function properly. Everything from the simplest toy, the appliances in our kitchens and computers through to cars, railways, aircraft, rockets and to the buildings and structures that mark our landscape, has had the input of an engineer. Engineering has marked out our progress as human beings. Without engineers to design and build the things we need life would be a much harsher and primitive experience. Black Box Investigations Pupils were using their problem solving skills in this project to investigate the electronic composition of a set of black boxes. The pupils would measure input and output voltages using multimeters or oscilloscopes and predict the component or circuit inside the black boxes using their knowledge of electronics. Security Unit In this project using the alpha boards electronics kit we asked the pupils to design and build sections of an electronic intruder system. From this they would learn about the specific function of particular electronic components and how they connect to other circuit components that make up the individual sections within the intruder system. The practical application of something learned in the classroom situation and how it applied in everyday life was an underlying theme of this project. Why Engineering? Pupil enjoyment and achievement in applying their own knowledge and problem solving skills to real life situations was the main source of motivation behind both projects. It was a challenge, but not too easy or too hard – achievable but not easy. Cool – like in movies It was fun, good. It would be good if you could try alarm systems out at home or on school doors. Liked teamwork – able to get help, work together. Skills developed Thinking, applying knowledge, problem-solving, collaboration, working to a remit… Successful learners: Pupils learn the importance of the core skills of communication and teamwork and collaboration to help solve a problem in an engineering context. Confident individuals: Pupils see the relevance of their knowledge base applied to problems they can solve and hence improve their own confidence in Physics. Responsible citizens: Pupils are motivated to do well and be ambitious to explore the possibilities of a career in Engineering. Effective contributors: Pupils use their knowledge of electronics to solve particular problems through a process of scientific inquiry, and explore the creativity and engineering behind a practical product. Curriculum for Excellence By contributing to investigations into the properties of a range of electronic components, I can select and use them as input and output devices in practical electronic circuits. SCN 4 -09b Using my knowledge of electronic components and switching devices, I can help to engineer an electronic system to provide a practical solution to a real life situation. SCN 4-09c Engineering the Future aims to develop a sustainable model of activities that enhance the learning experiences of pupils, develops their knowledge and understanding of contemporary engineering and smoothes the transition into engineering from school to university. Williamwood High School Partnership John Honeyman 1, John Brown 1, Campbell Booth 2 and Brian Stimpson 2. 1.Williamwood High School, East Renfrewshire, Scotland 2.Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Scotland Description of engineering experience Motivation, engagement and pupil response Skills developed, links to Curriculum for Excellence and the four capacities