SPRA’s STEM Ambassador, Chris Clark, and the Institute of Physics “Lab in a Lorry”

Recently Chris Clark, SPRA Council Member and Development Manager at Rosti UK, supported two events held by the IOP (Institute of Physics) through the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) Ambassador Scheme run by STEM Net.

The IOP host ‘Lab in a Lorry’ events throughout the year, which is a great way to engage and spark interest in school children currently studying STEM subjects. The lab in a lorry consists of a 40 foot trailer that has been converted into 3 laboratories that showcase various science experiments/demonstrations. The experiments available during these events were renewable energy, harmonics and digital cameras.

The first event Chris supported was held in October 2010 at St Mungo’s High School in Falkirk. On the day, Chris was responsible for overseeing the renewable energy experiment/demonstration, which consisted of a “doll’s house” that had been fitted with lights to simulate various household appliances. There were also solar panels and a wind turbine fitted to the house. The power usage of the lights was monitored on a digital display and the aim of the experiment was to show the effect of using renewable energy sources in place of traditional energy sources.

The second was held in Bishopbrigs Academy in November 2010. This time Chris was responsible for overseeing the digital camera experiment/demonstration. This consisted of a light source, a light box, a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) and a laptop. The aim of the experiment was to build your own camera, test the reliability of the camera and then ask the pupils to think of ways to improve the cameras efficiency. The lab in a lorry events were enjoyed not only by the pupils but by Chris also.

For anybody that would like more information on the Lab in a lorry event you can log onto http://www.labinalorry.org.uk/

 

Report by Chris Clark, SPRA Council Member             February 2011