Charlie Cantwell
Marketing Communications Manager, EngineeringUK
Charlie leads on the marketing for Neon, Big Bang and Energy Quest programmes, promoting the free hands-on activities to teachers. At EngineeringUK for the last 3 years, she has a passion for bringing STEM subjects to life through exciting real-life stories.
Support your students to grow confidence and work in teams – just like real engineers
Charlie Cantwell, Marketing Communications Manager, EngineeringUK
Big ideas in engineering and technology rarely come from one person. In the real world, inventions and innovations come from teams of people. Working in a team allows engineering professionals to bounce ideas around, communicate and solve problems together. No matter how skilled someone is, the ability to work well with others is what turns big dreams into reality. Getting students comfortable with teamwork will support them in their schoolwork and feel ready for future challenges.
Teamwork improves confidence
Working in a team doesn’t only prepare young people for their future careers – it also grows their confidence. Tackling a problem together encourages students to get creative, have their voice heard and experiment with ideas. Working with friends and peers allows them to speak up, listen to each other and build trust. Building confidence doesn’t just help in school - it sticks with students as they move through life and work.
Neon’s got teamwork covered
Neon is here to help bring those essential teamwork skills to life, outside of everyday lessons. It’s packed with activities that put teamwork in the spotlight. The best part? Everything on Neon is quality assured to make sure it’s impactful and links to real world careers in engineering and technology.
Whether you’re looking for something quick, free or online - there’s something for everyone. Use the Neon filters to find experiences local to your school, check curriculum links and Gatsby benchmarks before booking.
Neon experiences support students to build things, learn to code, solve puzzles, dream up new designs and much more.
Teamwork activities to book on Neon:
- Prosthetics in Motion - students work in teams to build their own prosthetic arm using a LEGO Spike kit, then use basic code to control their arm. 11 to 16 years, workshop, cost applies
- Energy Quest - students 'act like an engineer’ in Energy Quest, working together to generate renewable energy. 11 to 14 years, workshop, free of charge
- The S-RC Cup - students design, build, and race remote control cars, gaining hands-on STEM experience and career insights. 11 to 18 years, multi-session, cost applies
- Innovate for Climate Change - a 7-session introductory computing course that supports students in creating a community focused, climate action app prototype. 11 to 14 years, flexible project work, free of charge
How to bring teamwork into the classroom
- Before you start your activity, consider what good teamwork looks like. Successful teams have good communication, share jobs fairly and listen to each other
- Encourage students to mix up roles so everyone gets to try leading and supporting
- Celebrate their success and reward skills such as speaking, listening and good problem solving
- After your Neon experience, reflect as a class about what worked, what didn’t and how students would do things differently next time
With the diverse range of activities on Neon, we’re here to help your students practice, play, and discover what can be achieved when working together.
