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What's a Watt

Students generate electrical energy, and are then given it back in the form of food!

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Overview

The terms power, watts, energy, joules and calories are explored and put into context using rowing machines to demonstrate the differences and contextualise how much this really is.

Young people are then challenged to work in a team to row as far as possible, generating as much electrical energy as possible. They then choose a food from a pre-specified selection, and the amount of electrical energy they generated is given back to them in the form of this food. This allows the young people to visualise the link between work done and calories, and also see the huge range in energy content of food.

The workshop concludes with a comparison of a wide range of food items and a discussion over what makes some foods healthy, and whether or not high calorie foods are always unhealthy.

Please note that allergy information for the class must be provided in advance of this workshop taking place.

Logistics

This workshop uses rowing machines so must take place in a hall, gym or other large space with easy vehicle access.
This experience is designed for a group of 10 to 30 learners.

Cost

Prices vary depending on location: £670+VAT for schools within an hour and a half of Derby and circa £790+VAT for schools beyond this. Discounts will be applied for multiple bookings, and the provider can be flexible to accommodate Neon bursary holders.

Details

School subject: Biology

Engineering

Maths

Physics
Curriculum links: Design and technology: Cooking and nutrition

Engineering

Technologies - Food and textile technology

Technologies - Craft, design, engineering and graphics: Application of engineering

Biology

Design thinking and engineering: Engineering

Sciences - Organisms and health: Interdependence of plants and animals

Technology & design - Design
Group size: Whole class, Small groups
Participation level: Hands-on
Duration: Up to an hour
Cost: Cost applies
Location: In-school

UK-wide

Learning outcomes

Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects
Attainment and progress
Develop engineering employability skills
Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers
Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering

Frameworks

Gatsby benchmarks

The Gatsby benchmarks are a framework for good careers guidance for schools across all of England and in some areas across the rest of the UK. This experience helps your school to reach the following benchmarks:

2 - Learning from career and labour market information
3 - Addressing the needs of each pupil
4 - Linking curriculum learning to careers
5 - Encounters with employers and employees

EqualEx

Introduce and Inspire

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills: