SMART materials

Students can learn about materials that change shape, colour or some other factor in response to external effects.

Ages 12 to 16
Online
4 May 2021 to 30 June 2021
1 to 2 hours
Free

Run by RAF Museum Cosford.

Check availability

SMART Materials focuses on materials that change shape, colour or some other factor in response to external effects, but revert back to their original form when this external effect is taken away.

The workshop includes an experiment and kit will be sent out to participating classes to complete the experiment. Both the workshop and kit is free of charge, as it is all being sponsored by RAF Youth and STEM.

Capacity

Minimum of 10 participants, maximum of 60 participants.

Learning outcomes

Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects
Learning what the engineering workplace is like
Develop engineering employability skills
Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering

Subjects and topics

- Chemistry
- Design and Technology
- Engineering
- Maths
- Physics
- General Engineering
- Materials/Products/Manufacturing
- Space/Aerospace Engineering
- Structures/Construction/Civil Engineering
- Transport

Gatsby benchmarks

The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:

Linking curriculum learning to careers
Encounters with employers and employees
Experiences of workplaces

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:

Listening - the ability to listen and understand information.
Problem Solving - the ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge.
Speaking - the oral transmission of information or ideas.
Teamwork - working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal.