CSES continues to support schools with technology and engineering
CSESÂ bursary kits granted to Chelmsford County High School for Girls
As part of the ongoing commitment to education, support and inspiration Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society (CSES) has been working with Chelmsford County High School (CCHS) for girls.
CSES member Ed Bye has been working with a group of sixteen keen and enthusiastic year 10 (14/15 years of age) students at Chelmsford County High School.
One lunchtime a week during the autumn term, the students have been exploring control electronic engineering and stored program systems based on the Micro:bit microcontroller.
In the world, there are by far many more devices (microcontrollers) than computers. With increasing electronics finding its way into all sorts of items, this number will grow. As an example, a typical budget low-end car has about 25 microcontrollers, a high-end luxury car can have over 50 microcontrollers.
The current generation of students will be using microcontrollers, developing their own equipment and projects to solve engineering problems. Thus, giving young students some insight and experience with microcontrollers puts them at an advantage and an early start.
To enable some understanding and to provide some practice with this technology, Ed designed a kit of parts to work specifically with the Micro:bit. There is a variety of about 25 sensors and actuators, shown below. These could be used in numerous projects in conjunction with a Micro:bit.
The kit is re-useable to enable students over the years to design, develop and produce their own project ideas. To keep all the parts together, the modules are stored in a compartmentalised box.
On Tuesday 16 January 2024, CSES President Adam Wood presented the school with four of these kits and a pack of 10 of the latest version of the Micro:bit, by way of a CSES STEM club bursary.
At the presentation, Adam said: "I am delighted that the CSES STEM Club Bursary has helped these students explore their passion for engineering in such a creative and relevant way, and we are particularly pleased to be working with CCHS, encouraging more girls to pursue careers in the STEM sector."
Mr Stephen Lawlor, Headteacher at CCHS, said: "CSES's generous contribution has made it possible for us to create a new STEM Club tailored for our Year 10 students. As a girls' school, we are committed to providing these important opportunities for our students. CSES's expressed ambition to do the same is very much appreciated by us. We extend our sincere gratitude to CSES for their support."
Find out more about the CSES STEM Club Bursary, and how it could help your school, here.