The full-day event combined practical learning, teamwork and problem-solving, allowing young people to apply their knowledge of physics in a real-world context. Through designing, building and testing model aircraft, pupils gained a deeper understanding of aerodynamics while experiencing the type of challenges faced by engineers and designers.

Exploring the Physics of Flight

The STEM Day focused on the principles of flight, introducing learners to key concepts including lift, weight, thrust, drag, airflow and air resistance.

Working in teams, pupils were challenged to design and construct a model aeroplane using balsa wood and a propeller mechanism. Their goal was to build an aircraft capable of travelling the greatest distance while applying their understanding of engineering design and scientific principles.

Throughout the challenge, pupils explored how factors such as wing shape, angle of attack and weight distribution affect flight performance. They collected data, evaluated results and made improvements to their designs, mirroring the processes used by engineers in industry.

Developing Engineering and Employability Skills

The activity encouraged pupils to take on different roles within their teams, allowing them to experience the collaborative nature of engineering projects.

As they worked through the challenge, learners developed a range of valuable skills including:

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Creativity and innovation
• Research and analytical thinking
• Leadership and project management

The event gave pupils the opportunity to apply classroom learning in a practical setting while demonstrating how STEM skills can be used to solve real-world challenges.

Learning from Industry-Led Experiences

Delivered through the MacRobert Trust and Smallpeice Trust, the programme aimed to raise awareness of future opportunities within engineering, aviation and wider STEM industries.

By giving learners access to hands-on activities and real-life engineering challenges, the event helped bridge the gap between education and industry. Pupils were encouraged to think like engineers, testing ideas, learning from failures and refining their designs to improve performance.

The practical nature of the challenge also helped learners understand how skills developed in school can be applied within a wide variety of careers.

What Pupils Said

Feedback from participants highlighted the positive impact of the experience.

One pupil commented:

“This was a great activity and I would love to do it again.”

Another learner enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and learn more about STEM careers:

“Meeting new people and learning about different roles and jobs in STEM.”

The engaging format allowed pupils to experience engineering in a way that was both educational and enjoyable, helping to spark interest in future STEM pathways.

Building Confidence Through Practical Learning

The challenge provided a highly interactive learning experience that encouraged pupils to test ideas, evaluate outcomes and continually improve their designs.

Teachers observed strong levels of engagement throughout the day, noting how learners embraced the opportunity to work collaboratively and solve problems together.

The process of designing, building and refining an aeroplane helped pupils develop resilience and adaptability while reinforcing key scientific principles through practical application.

The event also encouraged learners to step outside their comfort zones, try new approaches and gain confidence in applying their knowledge to unfamiliar situations.

Impact and Outcomes

The MacRobert Trust STEM Day delivered a range of positive outcomes for participating learners, including:

• Increased awareness of engineering and STEM careers.
• Improved understanding of aerodynamics and the physics of flight.
• Enhanced teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
• Greater confidence in applying scientific knowledge.
• Development of problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Increased engagement with STEM subjects through practical learning.
• Greater understanding of how classroom learning links to the world of work.

The event demonstrated how meaningful employer and industry engagement can inspire young people, raise aspirations and bring learning to life. By working through a real engineering challenge, pupils developed valuable skills while gaining an insight into the exciting opportunities available within STEM industries.

Experiences such as this help young people develop the confidence, knowledge and ambition needed to pursue future pathways in engineering, science and technology.