Abstract:

This abstract presents a work in progress on the outreach activities being rolled out across Primary Schools in Ireland as part of the Rethinking Engineering Education in Ireland (REEdI) project. REEdI is a project focusing on the delivery of third level engineering education via a delivery methodology incorporating state-of-the-art immersive technologies, online adaptive learning and significant work placement. As part of the REEdI project, a new programme titled, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, was developed. Many students are hesitant to choose such engineering courses due to minimal participation and involvement in the discipline of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) throughout their secondary level education. If they are not confident in their STEM ability after finishing secondary school, they see it as a barrier to choosing engineering courses for their future education and career path.

Thus, students need to become engaged at an earlier age, particularly at primary school level, to partake in STEM activities. The advantage of embedding these activities at an early age is that it makes STEM more attractive for students entering secondary school, with an increased likelihood in continuing along this education and career path. Involving primary school children in STEM activities in a fun and engaging manner, removes the fear factor around STEM and dispels the childlike perception that STEM is difficult.

The REEdI Model of promoting STEM in Primary Schools aims to empower children to become the voices and engineers of the future. REEdI Research Engineers visit the schools on an ongoing basis engaging with children on relevant STEM topics and presenting STEM content to children in an easily understood format. In parallel, specific games and role plays around STEM themes, including, for example sustainability are being developed to allow children actively engage in the topics. This style of outreach affords positive STEM connection with a younger audience who have naturally curious minds and are eager to learn. Furthermore, the REEdI Team invite primary school children onto the college campus for science and engineering festivals. Children are given the opportunity to undertake simple science activities to help them appreciate the world around them. They are also encouraged to partake in STEM colouring competitions and challenges to help them remember a fun STEM day out. The REEdI approach is focused on active STEM participation with primary school children that allows for a seamless progression of STEM through to secondary and third level education. There is a continuing and emerging need to fill the talent pipeline in STEM careers where currently there are a severe shortage of graduates. The REEdI Project Framework aims to produce engineers of the future and is looking at this holistically by teaching and influencing children from an early age such that there are no obstacles for them to reaching their STEM potential.

Keywords:

Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM), Scientists and Engineers, younger audience, teaching & influencing children, empower children.