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Workshop

Tower Tussle

Students must work in teams to build a hurricane or earthquake proof building while keeping to budget!

Tower Tussle

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Students are introduced to the concept of buildings that adapt to their environment, before being challenged to build either an earthquake or hurricane resistant tower.

A budget is given, with each material having a different price, so teams of young people must use their funds carefully to build the tallest tower, which is then tested with a fan (hurricane) or vibration plate (earthquake) to see whether it can withstand the environment.

The winning team will be the one who builds the tallest tower that withstands the disaster!

The session concludes with a recap of skills used, examples of careers that relate to the activities completed and the career paths of delivery staff or colleagues.

Cost

£650+VAT for schools within an hour and a half of Derby, £770+VAT for schools beyond this. Discounts will be applied for multiple bookings.

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment 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

    • Design and Technology
    • Engineering
    • Physics
    • Energy and environment
    • Structures, construction and civil engineering

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:

  • Learning from career and labour market information
  • Addressing the needs of each pupil
  • Linking curriculum learning to careers
  • Encounters with employers and employees

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:

  • Aiming high - the ability to set clear, tangible goals and devise a robust route to achieving them.

  • Creativity - the use of imagination and the generation of new ideas.

  • Leadership - supporting, encouraging and motivating others to achieve a shared goal.

  • Listening - the ability to listen and understand information.

  • Problem solving - the ability to find a solution to a complex situation or challenge.

  • Staying positive - the ability to use tactics to overcome setbacks and achieve goals.

  • Teamwork - working cooperatively with others towards achieving a shared goal.

What the teachers say

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  • In-school
  • Full day
  • Free
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Bridge Building Challenge

Teams of students use K'Nex to learn the concepts of bridge design. Then design and model their own solution to a set problem.

  • Ages 11 to 14
  • In-school
  • Full day
  • Cost applies

Careers resources