Education
EWB-In-Schools
What is EWB-In-Schools?:
We engage young people (11-14 year olds) in meaningful discussion about the role of engineering in global sustainability, looking after the environment and human development. All engagement is focused on encouraging interaction and learning through hands-on, practical activities done in class that include all students and respect learning styles.
What are our aims?
We aim to encourage students to become involved in development engineering at an early age and equip them with the knowledge and skills that they will need in the future to make a real and lasting difference in developing communities in New Zealand and the South Pacific islands.
How do we achieve our aims?
We have developed a learning resource for Year 9 and 10 social science and general science classes run by EWB volunteers in collaboration with teachers over two one-hour lessons. It includes a practical activity where students build and test their own fully functioning water filter. This is the Clean Water for Life programme. Students are given the opportunity to see what diverse and critical roles engineers play in the development of our communities both locally and internationally. This creates the crucial bridge to link bright students to potential careers in engineering and engineering aid work.
How can you get involved?
Volunteers:
We are always looking for new volunteers for our Clean Water for Life programme. Volunteering will give you opportunities to develop your presentation and communication skills while working with school students in the community. There will be one set of training seminars in Auckland in August on the following dates:
- Tuesday the 16th of August 6-8pm
- Thursday the 18th of August 6-8pm
All seminars will be held at the University of Auckland School of Engineering in room 4.501. Please register for one of the seminar dates here. Seminars are open to all registered student or professional members of EWB and you must attend a seminar before volunteering for this programme in schools. For more information please email schools@ewb.org.nz.
Schools:
Schools interested in finding out more about our Clean Water for Life programme please email schools@ewb.org.nz. Clean Water for Life is currently offered in Auckland and Wellington, and will soon be available in Christchurch.
The EWB Design Challenge
Objectives:
The EWB design challenge teaches engineering students the design steps involved with projects to meet a real community need. Students are tested on the development of sustainable and innovative design concepts, communication skills and team work for real‐world problems. Students will come away from this challenge with a greater understanding of what engineering concepts and approaches are required in developing nations, and in wider engineering practice.
Core concepts are: Sustainability, Fitness for purpose, Appropriateness of design, Design process, Communication, Innovation