On Tuesday 13 June 2017, a small group of Year 7 girls were fortunate enough to visit a company called GE Oil and Gas based locally in Farnborough. It is an engineering company specialising in tools used in gas and oil production. GE are keen to show the opportunities available to women in what is still a field which is quite dominated by men. The girls were selected from a group that had attended Science Club regularly during the year.
The girls were treated to a great afternoon. They were kitted out in lab coats, safety glasses and special anti-static shoes and given a tour of the operation. They saw some of the tools produced, CAD work on the computer and also a 3D printer in operation (the girls all received a fish made on the printer). Then they were given a challenge to design packaging that would allow an egg to survive a 5 metre drop. The girls demonstrated all the skills required of good engineers: problem solving, innovation, team work, good communication skills and practical ability. The paper, sellotape, straws and elastic bands were turned into eight very different designs which were then put to the test. It was all very exciting as the eggs were dropped from ever increasing heights. Several eggs appeared to withstand a 5 metre drop, but in fact, once "unwrapped" only 2 of the eggs survived completely intact. The winning team, aptly named 'Cracked Up' were awarded the prize.
Our thanks go to GE Oil and Gas for hosting such an interesting and enjoyable event.