Primary Schools as Engineering Centres

Abstract

The article describes the development of Mumbles Science 2000, and in particular: using primary schools as engineering centres; making use of the local science and engineering heritage; developing a universal base of equipment; providing stand-alone computer control; and integrating children with special needs.

Mumbles Science 2000 makes imaginative use of primary schools to provide engineering challenges all year round to children aged 5 to 11.

In term-time, our Roadshow takes science and engineering challenges into primary schools across South West Wales. In all school holidays, we operate in a primary school in Mumbles near Swansea:

• Science 2000 Club for 64 children each day, providing science and engineering challenges
• family events, at which children carry out engineering challenges with their parents or grandparents.

We follow the popular trend of using the word 'science' to encompass 'science, engineering and techn