Some practical ideas for using the London 2012 Games as the launch pad for creative enterprise projects linked to science.
The potential for teaching science within the context of the Olympic and Paralympic Games is almost endless.
For example, finding out about the material used in the construction of the Olympic Park so that it not only inspires but is also sustainable, analysing an athlete’s muscle strength and flexibility, or investigating wheelchair technology for a Paralympian.
There are excellent full-colour photographs in the Image bank which will support your scientific investigations, and film footage of the Olympic Park in progress in the Video library.
Getting involved with the STEM challenges will give your London 2012 science work an enterprise edge. These challenges are real, and the science is applied and practical.
For schools and colleges keen to involve their students in sustainability and regeneration projects,” EDF’s EDF POD">POD”:http://www.jointhepod.org/schools/register has games, films and other teaching and learning resources.
Link science to the world of work and enterprise by challenging teams of students to take on the role of companies specialising in new materials or products for an Olympic or Paralympic athlete. How would this product benefit the athlete, how much would it cost to produce and how will they ‘sell’ their idea to a potential financial backer?
