The development of running blades has greatly enhanced the running ability of amputees and people born without legs.  In this activity students learn more about how the inventor of running blades applied the scientific concept of potential elastic energy and biomimicry to design a high performance prosthetic leg....

This resource explores how 'Euler's characteristic' has had an impact on many aspects of real-life, from computing to the shape of a football. The has been created by the Royal Academy of Engineering in partnership with Tomorrow's Engineers as a STEM club or STEM Ambassador activity, but can also be adapted by...

These resources explores how engineers have used their knowledge of waves to improve lives.  The activities include:

• Using the reflection of light to create a floating image
• Investigating the best material for thermal resistance (insulation) in a survival suit

Curriculum links...

This activity sheet for students will enable them to demonstrate the idea of reinforced materials and conclude which is the best to choose for a specific task, in this case constructing buildings resistant to earthquakes and high winds. The work of a structural engineer is also profiled.

This activity challenges stereotypes by asking students to draw and describe an engineer and then requiring them to explain their drawings together with discussing stereotypes. There are career profiles and further activities for teachers to pursue with their students.

Receptors under our skin send signals to our brains about the world around us. Engineers are borrowing this idea from the human body to create a ‘smart skin’ for aircraft. In this activity students learn about motes, the tiny sensors at the heart of this innovation, and how science and mathematics are central to...