IMechE STEM education activities available on BBC Bitesize

Collection features six of IMechE’s STEM at Home activities. Activities help children take an interest in science and technology. Collection includes kit lists and instructional videos

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has contributed materials from its STEM at Home education programme to the BBC Bitesize Autumn collection, helping to support children’s learning and encourage them to take an interest in science and technology from an early age.

The IMechE Science at Home collection features six of the Institution’s hands-on STEM at Home activities, which were launched over Spring/Summer 2020 as part of the education catalogue to help parents and teachers during the pandemic.

The STEM at Home activities will support the BBC Bitesize Autumn programme. BBC Bitesize offers learning resources for children including those who are self-isolating and studying at home, combining online learning with classroom time, or catching up on what they may have missed last term.

“There continues to be a real challenge in encouraging enough of our youngsters to see the great potential that lies ahead for them with a career in engineering. The difficulty today under COVID-19 restrictions on face to face teaching and practical experimentation makes this ever harder as students lose the ‘hands-on’ experience. These educational materials are just one way we can address that challenge and bring the excitement back into learning about improving the world through engineering,” said IMechE Chief Executive Officer, Dr Colin Brown.

The STEM collection, which includes activity instructions, kit lists and instructional videos, shows children an exciting range of activities including building a mechanical hand, hydraulic propagator, catapult, and lunar rover.

“The IMechE collection of STEM activities illustrates the fun and varied nature of STEM and aims to encourage children to consider STEM subjects early on. By contributing materials to BBC Bitesize, the IMechE hopes to be able to impact the lives of as many children as possible, whilst helping both teachers and parents in these unprecedented times,” said Jelena Gacesa, Operations Manager - Education Programme, IMechE.

Notes to Editors

• Contact the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Press Office on 020 7973 1261 or email media@imeche.org
• The Institution of Mechanical Engineers was established in 1847 and has some of the world’s greatest engineers in its history books. It is one of the fastest growing professional engineering institutions. Headquartered in London, we have operations around the world and over 120,000 members in more than 140 countries working at the heart of the most important and dynamic industries such as the automotive, rail, aerospace, medical, power and construction industries. www.imeche.org