Over the past decade, more than 200,000 students across the UK have enjoyed Energy Quest, a workshop on alternative energy production and engineering. Students in 1,350 different schools have participated.
The programme presents concepts such as the real-world application of practical experiments, problem solving and using teamwork to find solutions. One student reported it was the first time they knew the answer to the question, "What is an engineer?”
Two evaluation reports about Energy Quest were published in April 2024.
Firstly, an independent evaluation of Energy Quest over the last 3 years explored young peoples' views and experiences of the workshop across various versions of the content. Their report presents insights gathered from more than 1,200 students and close to 100 teachers.
Secondly, CFE Research’s independent evaluation found young people reported being more knowledgeable about engineering because of Energy Quest:
- 87% of young people said that their knowledge of the different types of things that engineers can do in their jobs had increased
- 81% of respondents reported that their knowledge of role that engineers play in developing technologies for renewable energy sources had increased
The evaluations also highlighted teachers’ positive views of the programme, with 96% of them rating the programme as good or excellent. And 95% of teachers said the workshop was engaging for their students.
Following the evaluation, Energy Quest relaunched as a teacher-led workshop aimed specifically at younger students aged 11 to 13. Without having to arrange a STEM specialist facilitator to visit the school and present the workshop, this new workshop can be presented as and when teachers are able.
I enjoyed the practical tasks and the discussions around engineering. It was useful to think of the different types of engineers that exist.
— Teacher
