Introducing problem solving in teams
By introducing the concept of problem solving in teams, Energy Quest is more than a normal science lesson. It has a real-world scenario providing context which motivates students to try out the practical activities to help others. This makes it much easier for students to relate to and apply their learning. One teacher who ran Energy Quest in 2024 reported, “At the end of that first session, having played the video earlier in the session, I had kids asking me if she ever got out of the forest".
The lesson includes a series of practical experiments and design exercises which help students understand more about the role of engineers. The 3 practical options involve using science knowledge learned in the curriculum. Energy Quest is also a great way for students to apply that learning to thinking about careers – especially those they may never have even considered. The same teacher said, “It opened up a whole new dimension of thinking about how to interact with the world and... I can guarantee you that a good 10 of those kids are seriously considering engineering careers, like genuinely, seriously considering it. And I think that's really, really good."
Energy Quest is also really enjoyable! One student who took part said: "It was really fun and I really loved it. I loved the orange experiment. I was really shocked you can make energy from an orange and coins."
Our Energy Quest evaluation found young people said they were more knowledgeable about engineering after doing the lesson, and teachers thought highly of it. 95% of teachers surveyed also said the lesson was engaging for their students. One said: “I enjoyed the practical tasks and the discussions around engineering. It was useful to think of the different types of engineers that exist.”
Because Energy Quest is designed for 11 to 13 year olds, the 3 practical activity options connect to things students are learning in the curriculum. Energy Quest gives students the chance to conduct practical experiments and get hands-on. It also allows you to adapt it in ways which best suit how you do things in your school. You might like to dedicate a single lesson to each experiment, do one experiment only, or run the introduction to engineering careers as a standalone lesson. As this is a teacher-led project you can literally take the lead and make it your own.
I enjoyed working with my group to complete the tasks and learning about the engineering process.
— - Student
94% of students
reported learning more about engineering careers after participating in Energy Quest
67% of teachers
reported increased motivation to suggest engineering careers to students after Energy Quest
89% of teachers
said Energy Quest helped students apply science knowledge
63% of students
were motivated to find out more about STEM jobs after taking part in Energy Quest
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