Institution volunteers attend the Cosford Air Show

Twelve volunteer members of the Midland Region of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers ran a stand in the STEM hanger at the International Air Show held at RAF Cosford in Shropshire on 11th June.

The air show, which attracts around 50,000 visitors each year, features a host of flying and ground displays including the world famous Red Arrows formation display team.  RAF Cosford is a training centre and is keen to promote STEM activities, devoting a complete hanger for this purpose.

In addition to the IMechE stand, there were stands from companies, universities, other institutions and the services.  Being a sponsor of the Bloodhound programme, the IMechE stand had their model of the Bloodhound car on display.  The hall also housed a full size replica of the car, supported by the Bloodhound team.

The Education Officer for the region, John Butler said: “As a region we have attended the Imagineering Fair for many years with hands-on activities for children.  When we found out about the STEM hanger at this show it was a natural fit within our programme.  One of the objectives of the Institution is to inspire young people - the Cosford event certainly achieves this aim.”

During the day, around 150 children attended the stand and built lollipop stick bridges which were then tested to find which withstood the highest loading.  John added: “Caroline Alliston, an IMechE Fellow, has developed a range of activities for children with an engineering bias as part of her “Technology for Fun” programme.  She uses glued bridges in schools’ activities but we have modified this to using lollipop sticks and matches.  Some of the designs we have seen today are really remarkable.”

In addition to engaging with a host of children the volunteers also had the opportunity to talk engineering to parents and other visitors.  There was much interest in the Institution from young people starting on their engineering career path together with teachers interested in activities which really gained the interest of the children.

In conclusion, Roger Reece, Chair of the IMechE Shropshire area said: “We believe this has been a very successful day.  We achieved our goal of engaging with large numbers of children together with promoting the Institution generally.  I believe this is a great show to highlight STEM and we look forward to returning next year."