This is a virtual workshop funded by the University of the West of England (UWE) aimed at encouraging adult participants to inspire and enthuse the next generation about STEM. It involves a practical sessionin which participants will be guided through the construction of their own working models; a Cartesian diver, a balloon buggy and a vibrating brush monster. These activitieshave gone down a storm at events such as the Big Bang Fair and Cheltenham Science Festival.

The workshop will be led by engineer Caroline Alliston, who is a Fellow of the IMechE and has 10 years’ experience in STEM education. It will include insights into STEM engagement, instructions on how to build each of the models and explanations of how they work.If you have a child of a suitable age (about 7-13) then you can build your models together.There will be an opportunity to ask questions afterwards. The parts needed to construct the models will be posted out in advance to those who are booked onto the workshop (this is why we need your address).

Some participants may be interested in conducting the activities in class. Until it is safe to go into schools, participants can support these activities virtually rather than in person - a procedure for doing this is presented in the workshop. UWE holds a number of free class packs of materials and components for this purpose. The activities have proved very popular with schools who are keen to provide their pupils with enriching cross-curricula activities. The activities are designed to tie in with the curriculum learning objectives (materials, forces, electricity and D&T), whilst providing a fun, engaging design and build experience.