Available exclusively to IMechE members, the STEM toolkit contains six engineering activities designed for a class of 30 students to be delivered by ambassadors.
The toolkits are for IMechE Ambassadors keen to go into classrooms and share their engineering knowledge via engaging and fun STEM activities using everyday materials. The toolkits are designed for ambassadors and engineers of varying "teaching" experience and engineering knowledge.
Each toolkit contains reusable activity materials, along with a step by step guide for the Ambassador to deliver the workshop. A class of 30 can be split into smaller groups while undertaking each challenge, with supporting worksheets available to students.
To order a STEM toolkit, you must be a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and provide information about your upcoming visit with at least six weeks notice.
Order a STEM Toolkit
Our STEM Toolkit brochure includes all worksheets & teacher's notes for the following activities:
The dropdown list below includes all STEM Toolkit activities along with STEM at Home activities developed by IMechE during the coronavirus lockdown
Teams will design and build their own Ball Run, and put their final creation to the test. Creativity and stability will be key factors. This activity encourages problem solving, perseverance, cooperation and spatial thinking.
Teams will design and create their own bridges using lollipop sticks, bulldog clips and pegs. The goal is to see who’s bridge can withstand the most weight before collapsing. Altering length and position of materials will be key in this make.
The world record for this is an astounding 909kg!
If you don’t have a toolkit, download the worksheet and below is the list of resources you can buy online:
Students will work on their own, or in a team to design and build a CD Racer out of everyday items. The activity teaches Sir Isaac Newton' s laws of motion and theory in a fun and practical way that spans across Key Stages 1-4.
By combining Maths, Engineering and Science skills, teams will design and build their own Catapult’s and battle it out to see who can launch an object the farthest.
The Cork Launcher activity introduces students to the science behind projectiles in motion. Using everyday materials students will create an alternative type of catapult that works like a slingshot.
The Flying Dragon project is a creative engineering activity that challenges students to build a moving, crank-driven model of a flying dragon.
Watch how to build your own Flying Dragon
The Propagator project introduces students to hydraulic systems and their inner workings. Using a few household items and craft materials, students will work in teams, or with help from an adult, to design and build a propagator with a basic hydraulic system that will help them care for their seedlings.
Students are tasked to build the tallest, working lighthouse they can using just AA batteries, a bulb &bulb holder, scrap paper, foil and tape. The activity teaches the basics behind designing a free-standing structure and explores the electronics that make lighthouses possible.
Teams are challenged to build a functioning rubber band car following the build template provided, or creatively design and build their very own. The rover that travels the furthest distance wins!
Students will learn about potential and kinetic energy, whilst also considering the relationship between mass, force and torque, and the effect they will have on their final design.
Students will look at the biomechanical make-up of the human hand and create their own mechanical hand using everyday materials to mimic the movement of joint structure and tendons.
Students are challenged to design, build and produce a freestanding tower structure that is stable enough to support a weight for 10 seconds. Following the engineering design cycle, students will work in teams using limited supplies including lollipop sticks, elastic bands, pegs, bulldog clips and white tac to create their towers.
We use the energy of falling and flowing water to produce power- from water wheels used to grind grain to modern hydroelectric dams to power cities. Using everyday materials, design and prototype your very own water turbine with the help of IMechE’s free educational resources.
Reward the winners of your workshop with a certificate of excellence
If you are interested in education outreach and becoming a STEM Ambassador, you must register with STEM Learning indicating your affiliation with the IMechE. Once you have received confirmation of your registration, please notify education@imeche.org
If you have an upcoming school visit and would like to know more about resources available to you contact
education@imeche.org
Order a STEM toolkit