Benefits of E & E Activities

Why should teachers engage with any of the activities in this directory?

All the activities in the STEM Directories have shown that they can make a difference to learning and, importantly for teachers and lecturers that they do fit into school curriculum design and delivery methods.

Many of the activities provide access to resources and experience that a school would not otherwise be able to offer.

What are the benefits to teachers?

Engagement with E&E may improve motivation, attitudes and enthusiasm in students, which can positively impact on teaching and learning in lessons
E&E activities can be run by a variety of adults – teaching assistants, parents or STEM professionals from industry, academia and business – providing valuable support for teachers
Improved understanding of the STEM aspects of business, industry, enterprise, careers, the environment, lifestyle and the importance of STEM to students as future citizens
Personal involvement in bringing a creative STEM intervention into your school or college demonstrates leadership ability and a commitment both to your students and your school. Those who have engaged regularly with E&E have cited this as a significant career development opportunity

… To students?

It makes a difference to learning. Students are engaged in a stimulating and exciting addition to their normal lessons that can enhance their enthusiasm and interest in STEM curriculum subjects and may increase aspiration and confidence in general
By raising the profile of STEM subjects, students are given broader life choices. Their understanding of the impact of STEM in the community and of STEM careers and opportunities in industry and business is greatly increased

… And to schools?

E&E activities often provide better access to resources from industry that will make a difference in the classroom
They challenge perceptions of STEM education and of STEM teachers
They provide valuable links to local industry and business
And they add value to the school curriculum whether by improving attitude, motivation, creativity, enterprise or relevance

How can these activities help teachers work with curriculum developments?

E&E activities help to embed understanding and apply knowledge through experiencing exciting new contexts that can also foster cross curricular links. Are these activities relevant across all age groups and all ability levels?

They provide opportunities to support important areas in the wider UK schools' agenda, such as Every Child Matters, Learning Outside the Classroom, Enterprise, Work Related Learning and community involvement.

With current developments in the UK taking a more open approach to the curriculum, these activities can provide a supportive framework for students to learn in way that can spark enthusiasm within the subject.

Are these activities relevant across all age groups and all ability levels?

Yes. Each activity defines the age range for which it is suitable. Within that age group, the activity is suitable for all ability levels with some activities offering specific additional resource either to challenge or to support students further.

Can they help deal with students who have challenging behaviour?

There is much evidence to show that taking part in a fun and relevant E&E activity can help to engage students with challenging behaviour. Contact the STEM activity providers directly for more information on how their schemes may assist here.

Why should teachers and lecturers across science, mathematics and design & technology work with each other?

The practicality of STEM teaching inside the classroom is STEM with Science and Mathematics dominating curriculum time and resources. In reality, outside the classroom, it is STEM with science and mathematics enabling applications of Technology and Engineering.

Whilst the individual components of STEM should and do have importance as subjects in their own right, their interdependence in the outside world should not be ignored. Benefit to all STEM teachers and to students can be significant if colleagues across science, mathematics and D&T share and work together towards a common purpose.

Here are some views from teachers who have already benefited from using E&E activities in their schools …

“One of the reasons the children love it is that it's very hands-on and much less formal than lessons, but the science is still there and is remembered!”

“There is no other extra curricular club in school that attracts the same level of interest or enthusiasm from the kids. The clubs are so popular we are over subscribed every week.”

"It covered all levels, starting with simple leading to very scientific."

"It is good for motivating the students to do physics at A level."

"Brought up to date ideas & technology with young presenters - which matters to young people."

“The main thing is the wow factor. They see that science is interesting, exciting and that it can lead on to things. It raises a level of awareness of what’s going on in the world.”

“The group has learnt from the experience, but much more than just the building of the car, has been the raising of self esteem and confidence through the recognition gained through the school and local press. They have certainly contributed to our school ethos of “Learning for Life, Achievement for All.”