HAVING A BLAST AT BOC

Having a Blast at BOC

SATRO had a fantastic opportunity to provide entertainment and education at BOC’s bi-annual ‘Bring Your Family to Work’ Day on Friday 27^th July.  Over 100 children, from the ages of 4-14, made their own water rocket.  Led by a SATRO team of 4 engineer experts and supported by 2 members of BOC staff, Lesley Cain and Barbara Hammond, every child achieved a successful launch of their unique rocket, amidst much excitement.  A competitive streak amongst older children created an enthusiastic desire to improve on design, whilst the younger children were simply thrilled to watch their rocket “whoosh” through the air.  Many of the Dads launched themselves into the fun and proved they were able “pump” technicians.  A very uplifting experience for all participants on a (at last) lovely summers day!

AWNING EXCITEMENT!

Here at SATRO we are not just all about , business games in secondaries, mentoring programmes or problem solving or firing rockets at primary schools - oh no!  A great part of our activities is the work of the unique fleet of Mobile Classrooms which teach hands-on construction skills to young people in schools and at other youth venues throughout the county.  These vans do great service but like us all, need a bit of TLC now and again. We are delighted that thanks to the generosity of The Shanly Foundation and Gatwick Airport Community Trust that we are able to replace one awning and fit one to the most recently acquired van.  Awnings mean that students can carry on their work and skills-building whatever the weather, come rain or shine!

Youngest ever volunteer for SATRO!

SATRO's offices in Send played host to our youngest-ever volunteer as Francesca, daughter of our Volunteer co-ordinator came to lend a hand.  The 11 year-old quickly got to grips with checking and setting up the materials for lots of different activities - from business games to sports stadium construction challenges.  We didn't work her too hard and look forward to seeing her again soon.

ROSEBERY STADIUM SUCCESS

Rosebery School, Epsom

34 teams,  totalling 240 Year 10 students, enjoyed the Sports Stadium Challenge at Rosebery School on 16^th July.  Two of our Associates and seven volunteers guided the girls through the process of planning, design and construction to create some amazing structures.  Teachers commented that “even those students not interested in maths/engineering took part and enjoyed it” and the volunteers were “enthusiastic and knowledgeable – excellent mentors for the students”.

The students said that this was “a useful challenge” which helped them to have a greater understanding about Forces in Structures, Engineering and Construction, Design Principles and problem-solving and working to a deadline.   Comments included “ I learned how to construct a building using logic and teamwork”; “I learned valuable information for future career choices”; “I am now more determined and focussed about my career choices”.

Now just waiting for the real thing at the Olympics!

ON THE FINAL LEG OF A MARATHON TERM!

AND A NEW RECORD!  The Summer Term has seen SATRO deliver 22 Sports Stadium Challenges to primary and secondary schools across the County.  On 4^th July a SATRO team worked with 90 Year 9 students at City of London Freeman’s School in Leatherhead.  Led by Peter Stables, our volunteer team comprising Sarah Bostock, Gordon Bell and Nick Cox were on side to help the students with their design concepts before the build stage commenced in earnest.  As structures emerged from the architect’s drawing into visual structures, noise levels rose with the excitement of how the finished models would turn out.  Teamwork, creative thought and engineering skills were all put to the test with the teams achieving great results. 

 “Outcomes were excellent”.  “Good to have pupils have contact with other adults with real world experience”. “I would recommend this activity”.

Students loved it and had an insight into what engineers do and a third of them siad it had  raised their interest in design, engineering, construction and architecture. 

“This has changed my outlook on what engineers do”.  “I can work in a team of people I might not like”.  “I learnt to think on my feet and adapt to situations”.

GOLD RESULT INDEED!

WARWICK GOES ALTERNATIVE!

The annual Alternative/Renewable Energy day was held at The Warwick School on Thursday 12 July - as dynamic and exciting as ever  with 14 engineers working with the science and technology departments at the school.  Year 9 students were grouped into 8 large teams, divided into 2 engineering and 1 media team per group, each named after a famous scientist or engineer.  The day started with an introduction to renewable/alternative energies and then on to the design and build!

From a pile of bits of wood, screws, bolts, copper piping, guttering, plastic dustbins and all sorts, each group produced 2 large scale working models which actually generated electricity; 2 small scale working models – a windmill and a solar boat; and the media students created a four page newsletter containing photographs and interviews  Large waterwheels and turbines were tested outside with flowing water and gave enough power to light LEDs; in the hall, fans became wind which turned all the innovative wind turbines, and theatrical lights simulated the sun to heat water in various water devices.

The Day has evolved over ten years with SATRO and The Warwick working closely together.Our Ambassadors return year on year and there is a competitive element between groups now, not only of students but also between the engineers!  Our thanks go to all of them from Allan Hopkins (The Warwick) and Denise Balmer (SATRO) for once again supporting this and making it such a worthwhile day.  We are also indebted to Cllr Lyn Hack of Banstead and Reigate Council for providing the funding to enable this worthwhile day to go ahead.

The final week.....

The last week of the Summer Term is about to start - but rather than winding down, SATRO are still full steam ahead with activities in schools.

This week sees : a Sports Stadium Challenege at Rosebery School, Epsom
* Healthy Eating at St Dominics School, Godalming
* Satro Business games over 2 days at Rosebery School
* The same at the Ashcombe School on Thursday and Friday
and the grand finale, a Water Rockets day for BOC in Guildford!

Whew - and then , deep breath, start looking forward to September when we look busier than ever!