Why take part
By introducing the concept of problem solving in teamwork, Energy Quest is more than just a normal science lesson. It has a real-world scenario providing context which automatically creates empathy and a sense of importance in conducting the experiments. 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".
As the workshops include a series of practical experiments and design exercises which help students understand more about the role of engineers, Energy Quest is a great way for students to apply their 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."
Evaluation of a previous version of Energy Quest found young people said they were more knowledgeable about engineering after doing the workshop; and teachers thought highly of it. 95% of teachers surveyed also said the workshop 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 14 year olds, the 3 options directly 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 in ways that 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.
87%
of young people said their knowledge of the different types of things engineers can do in their jobs had increased
81%
of respondents reported their knowledge of the role that engineers play in developing technologies for renewable energy sources had increased
96%
of teachers rated the programme as good or excellent
95%
of teachers in the survey said the workshop was engaging for their students
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."
— Teacher
Sign up to Energy Quest
Sign up for free and download the teacher-led Energy Quest workshop resources to run at your school. These resources are available for state-funded secondary schools.
