Science Education and Industrial Engagement
In the early 1990’s Tom Swan recognised the importance of engaging with children over the role of the chemical industry in our society and commissioned a three year programme with the Chemical Industries Education Centre (CIEC) at the University of York. The Children Challenging Industry programme was developed as a series of specially designed class room sessions with practical experiments to capture children’s interest in chemistry and demonstrate the importance of the chemical industry.
The project involved 44 schools and 1,300 children in North East England in a specialised teaching programme and industrial site visits.
At the start of the project the children initially perceived industry as “noisy, dark and hot”. Afterwards 90% of children completing questionnaires demonstrated a more positive and informed attitude towards the industry and the desirability of a career in industry.
This certificate was received in recognition of work carried out in connection
with Children Challenging Industry, an initiative established by company
chairman, Mr. Tom Swan, in conjunction with York University. This involved
pupils from several local primary schools coming on site where they had a short
presentation about water and how it is used in industry, followed by a tour of
the site. The positive feedback received from the children indicates that they
enjoyed these visits very much and that they provided useful input to their
schooling!
For more information please visit: http://www.uyseg.org/ciec_home.htm
School Visits
Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd. continues to engage with children in an effort to demonstrate the link between science and the real world, highlight the positive aspects of chemistry, demystify science for teachers, enhance our local image and to nurture young students who are interested in a career in science. Between 1996 and 2006 over 2000 children interacted with the company and over 1500 visited our site at Consett.
We welcome any requests by schools, colleges or universities to visit our company and gain a better understanding of our business and an insight into the chemical industry. For more information please contact us through our enquiries page or call our head office and ask for advice.
