Girls get to grips with engineering

EXPLORING some of the exciting and useful applications of engineering

GIRL guides teamed up with BAE Systems to form a new pack to inspire a new generation of engineers and scientists.

Developed by Girlguiding North West England with support from BAE Systems, Clever Cogs uses interactive activities to encourage girls to take a more positive view of going into STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers.

From exploding volcanoes to mechanical hands, the challenge pack is filled with activities which explore engineering and hands-on activities aim to inspire more girls to take up careers in engineering and science.

The pack aims to challenge some of the perceptions found in the Girls Attitude Survey. The largest annual survey of girls' opinions found more than half of girls think science is for boys with 60 per cent of girls moving away from engineering because of lack of female role models.

Vicki Saward, business integration director at BAE Systems Submarines, said: "As an engineering business, we work hard to challenge stereotypes and excite young people about the opportunities STEM can bring and we are particularly delighted that this is the result of more than 12 months' hard work by three of our own female engineers, who are using their own passion for engineering to inspire others.

"Their innovative approach will give a large community of young people across the UK an experience they may not have otherwise had, and if it encourages just a few young women to join the profession, it'll be a resounding success."

Tammy Evans (12), who was involved in the testing of the Clever Cogs challenge said: "I really enjoyed completing the different activities for this challenge.

Interesting

"We don't normally do science experiments outside of school, but these ones were really fun, especially the explosions! We always do something fun and interesting at our guide meetings."

Julie Bell, region chief commissioner said: "We're very excited to launch this new challenge which we hope will inspire many of our girls and young women into a career that they might not have considered.

"It was great to see our members engaging with science as many tend to shy away from STEM subjects."