Technology for Fun and
Gloucester Area IMechE
As part of the 2014-15 and 2015-16 programme of events, we ran successful events in January and September 2015. With a total of almost 100 attendees across the two events and around 35% of attendees being children. Both of the events were in two sections, with firstly a practical hands on session where children had the opportunity to make models that demonstrate principles relating to engineering (adults were also allowed to get involved), followed by a story (adults called it a lecture) where Caroline Alliston explained how she has written three books and developed Technology for Fun.
Here are some pictures from the two events held at Messier Bugatti Dowty:
"Technology for Fun" is a name that now covers a number of different initiatives with the aim of encouraging children to enjoy technology and engineering, and open their minds to considering a technical career path.
Technology for Fun is led by Caroline Alliston (CEng, FIMechE) and includes:
- 3 books of Technology Projects with step by step instructions, and for the most part the projects involve every day items and are low cost. The books are used by Scout and Guide groups, teachers, parents amongst others.
- Lesson plans available on the internet. For example from within the IMechE web-site.
- Promoting technology and engineering at science fairs and giving children the opportunity to get hands on with engineering.
- Technology clubs run by Caroline, and there are now clubs following the same format established in other areas and more are being planned.
In recognition of the contribution that Caroline has made in the field of inspiring children to consider engineering careers, in 2015 she was one of two recipients of the Alistair Graham-Bryce Award; which is one of the IMechE's Vision Awards. Details of the 2015 award winners is linked here.
Technology for Fun has a web-site, follow this link.
20/10/2015