To mark National Women in Engineering Day today, 23 June, the University is launching a new initiative for young children to help shape perceptions about engineering as a career and study option.
As part of the ‘Infant Engineer’ programme, the University is donating copies of a specially-selected story book and related learning resources to hundreds of primary school classes in Southampton.
‘Rosie Revere, Engineer’ by Andrea Beaty is a story about a young inventor who sees inspiration in the most unlikely objects. The book helps to address two aspects of engineering’s image problem by providing a female lead character and by representing engineering fundamentally as a creative problem solving activity and not specifically about maths and technology.
The book packs have been received warmly by primary school teachers, with some classes following a whole week of Rosie-themed activities across all aspects of the curriculum. Feedback is being evaluated with a view to expanding the programme for future years.
Dr Ed Richardson, Associate Professor in Engineering and the Environment at the University who is leading the ‘Infant Engineer’ programme, said:
“The Infant Engineer programme is extremely simple and yet effective. Thanks to the enthusiasm and efforts of primary school teachers, the small act of giving books can have a dramatic impact on how very large numbers of children learn to view engineering. Improving perceptions about engineering will benefit all children and all of engineering in the UK, not just in Southampton. It is precisely on such bold, forward-looking, innovative programmes that a University with Southampton’s aspirations should be seen to take the lead.”
For more information about the Infant Engineer programme click here.