14 August 2012

Costain recently supported a Remarkable Robotics Fun Day at the Lakes College in Workington, Cumbria, to help introduce children to the wonders of science.

The event was organised by Lakes College and was supported by Claire Sedgwick from Costain Support Services and Luke Richardson, Costain Community Relations Officer.

The children, aged between 9 and 11, designed and constructed their own robots as part of a series of summer educational camps which aims to help promote science, technology and engineering. The robots were then entered into a ‘Robot Olympic Games’ and tested on their ability to follow direction.

The children also had the opportunity to carry out some of the experiments themselves, which involved using static electricity to bending water and race empty drinks cans around the room using only the static electricity created from their hair and a balloon.

“The aim of the day was to try and fire up the children’s imaginations and open their eyes to the possibilities of what science can do. The reaction from the kids was fantastic. Any activity that encourages children to experience the possibilities of science and technology in a fun way can only be a good thing,” said Claire.

The Lakes College is a Further Education College providing vocational courses in areas such as science, engineering and building. It is also a Prince’s Trust Centre of which Costain is a Patron.

Costain’s Claire Sedgwick and Luke Richardson have close ties with the college and have given presentations to the engineering students about Costain, project management and a possible career in the engineering industry.

Costain employs around 100 people in the West Cumbria area and works with over 30 local subcontractors.

 

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