ScottishPower Foundation funded initiative gives pupils hands-on workshops in science and engineering

This week, secondary school pupils from across Scotland were treated to a series of exciting science lessons with National Museums Scotland. Part of the ScottishPower Foundation’s Get Energised initiative, the workshops aim to inspire young people to pursue a future career in either science or engineering.

Now in its second year, the programme is proving increasingly popular, with the number of pupils attending more than doubling. The partnership between National Museums Scotland and the ScottishPower Foundation aims to give young people a glimpse into the world of science and engineering they might otherwise only experience at work or in further education. The increasingly popular programme has seen the number of pupils attending more than double in the past year.

Inspired by National Museums Scotland’s world class collections of science and technology, Get Energised gives senior pupils studying STEM-related subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) an opportunity to practically engage with their subject areas through a series of ‘real world’ challenges. Working together, the teams tackle a series of problems related to the topical subject of renewable energy, covering wind power, wave and tidal power, solar power and hydro power. In between challenges they also received inspiring presentations from influential key note speakers, all experts in renewables.

Established to give pupils a real insight into potential careers and the challenges facing today’s engineers and scientists, the programme encourages participants  to apply their knowledge gained in the classroom and think creatively to solve problems.

Ann Loughrey, Trustee and Executive Officer of the ScottishPower Foundation, said:

“There is currently a real skills gap in Scotland, with many of our science and engineering professionals set to retire in the next few years. We established the Get Energised programme with National Museums Scotland to get people passionate about science and engineering at a young age and inspire them to pursue a career in these exciting fields.

“The young people all showed great ingenuity and resourcefulness when solving the challenges – we’ve definitely seen future scientists and engineers in the making.”

Stephen Allen, Head of Learning and Programmes at National Museums Scotland said:

“We are delighted to be continuing this innovative partnership with the ScottishPower Foundation. More than double the number of schools have chosen to get involved this year and together we aim to engage young people in the fields of science and technology. Our outstanding national collections will help inspire them and encourage them to pursue a future in the fields of science and engineering.”

National Museums Scotland has been awarded nearly £5 million of Heritage Lottery Funding towards the creation of a further ten innovative exhibition galleries devoted to our internationally important collections of applied art and design and science and technology.

The science and technology collections held by National Museums Scotland are amongst the most important in Europe and the wider world. It is therefore fitting that as we develop ten new galleries in which to display these historically and culturally significant objects we should be undertaking an innovative education programme exploring the impact of science and technology on our lives and our environment.

The ScottishPower Foundation was established in 2013 to support community programmes that are inspiring young people across the country to get more out of education, arts, culture and science. Get Energised is just one of 21 projects throughout Scotland, England and Wales to be funded by the ScottishPower Foundation in 2014. The ScottishPower Foundation demonstrates a commitment to charitable work that makes a significant and lasting contribution to society and enhances the quality of life in local communities throughout the UK.

For further information, media interviews or images please contact Kirsty MacLeod, Jen Ward or Emma Paul at Stripe Communications on 0131 561 8628 or email spfoundation@stripecommunications.com