Making science fun for the next generation
November 2008
NEPIC staff and children from Normanby Primary School welcome the arrival of TED
A mobile classroom which helps primary schoolchildren learn more about the wonders of science has been unveiled.
Redcar and Cleveland Council approached Wilton Centre resident NEPIC in April, asking for support for the idea under the authority’s Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI).
A team from NEPIC and LEGI, working with technology and enterprise teachers from the Tees Valley, came up with the Technology and Enterprise Den, affectionately known as TED.
Adding to the existing resources available through the NEPIC Primary Science Unit, TED debuted at Alexandra Palace, in London, in October and is officially launched during Enterprise Prize Week between November 17-23.
Among its attractions are the chance for the youngsters to design and launch rockets, plan traffic lights and learn about renewable technologies using computers.
Craig Jones, Education Coordinator at LEGI, said: "LEGI is committed to further developing the enterprise culture in Redcar and Cleveland. We are delighted that children in the area will benefit from this significant addition to their schools. We know that the lessons that they learn will give them skills for life".
Ian Findlay, Cluster Development Manager at NEPIC, said: "In the North-East, there is a need for young people to understand the importance of science and technology in our modern world. This facility helps to develop this understanding and promotes enterprise in pupils, so preparing them to make a contribution to the process industries and other business sectors in their future careers."