Techniquest

Cardiff school children design ‘The Science Museum of the Future’ for Techniquest in city-wide competition

May 10, 2018

Over 400 children from across Cardiff took part in a competition to design ‘The Science Museum of the Future’, to feed into the £5m expansion plans for Wales’ national science museum, Techniquest.

The ‘Inspire, Design, Create’ campaign — the concept of Cardiff-based development consultants, Lee Wakemans — was designed to engage schoolchildren in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) subjects, using role models from industry and higher education to inspire the architects, scientists, engineers and designers of the future.

03.05.18 Inspire, Design, Create Awards, Techniquest

Paul Wong, Director at Lee Wakemans said, “There is a genuine challenge presented to the Welsh workforce by the reported lack of interest and achievement in STEM subjects at a higher level in Wales.

“We wanted to take a proactive approach to addressing this issue by working with schoolchildren to increase their participation and achievement in STEM subjects and then in STEM careers for the future benefit of the industry and economy.”

He added, “The ‘Inspire, Design, Create’ campaign is a fantastic way to begin to do this, and to really make a difference to Cardiff schoolchildren with our partners in this initiative; Techniquest and Cardiff University’s Welsh School of Architecture.”

Children were asked to design ‘The Science Museum of the Future’, in line with Techniquest’s recent announcement that the charity is redeveloping and redesigning its current building into a STEM hub.

Lesley Kirkpatrick, CEO of Techniquest, said, “We’re at the start of a really exciting journey where we will be radically transforming our science discovery centre. We’re aiming to make science accessible to all, while ensuring our important work within the STEM sector in Wales continues for future generations.

“We’re keen for the public to have a stake in our exciting new adventure, so this is a great initiative to kick things off. We asked children to tell us what the new extension space should look like and what exhibitions they would like to see in it. This information will feed into our community consultation process.”

Children were helped through the process by students from the Welsh School of Architecture, who went into each school for two half day sessions in the capacity of mentors and role models to guide the children through the process.

Tom Woodward, speaking on behalf of the Welsh School of Architecture who is managing the Cardiff University students said, “The students became STEM ambassadors and have been fantastic role models, making STEM subjects fun and exciting and showing children what architects do.”

A team from Coed Glas Primary School were awarded the prize of ‘Best Overall Design’ in an Awards Ceremony held at Techniquest.

Mrs Rachael Kennard, teacher at Coed Glas Primary School said, “The pupils and I were delighted when we heard that they had won Best Overall Design in the Science Museum of the Future competition. They had thoroughly enjoyed the design and making experience, never thinking or believing they would actually win. The inspiring architect students who worked with them made the children think about the range of creative possibilities that are open to them in the future.”

Other prizes were awarded to Lansdowne Primary School for the ‘Most Scientific Design’ and Gabalfa  Primary School for the ‘Most Creative Design’.

The winning team will have the opportunity to visit selected architects, who are being appointed to design Techniquest’s extension, to see early stage designs and how their ideas will provide inspiration to the project.

The ‘Inspire, Design, Create’ Campaign 2018 is set to be the first in a series of initiatives with Cardiff schoolchildren to promote the benefits of engaging with STEM subjects.

Support us

 

Find us

  • Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff, CF10 5BW

Contact us

  • info@techniquest.org
  • 029 2047 5475
    Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm Sat–Sun: 10am–5pm
    While we always endeavour to answer calls, when the centre is busy it may not always be possible.
    If you leave us a message we will respond to you as quickly as we can.

Opening hours

  • Techniquest’s opening hours vary — visit the Opening Times page to find out the current hours.

Charity & company

Newsletter Signup

Get the latest news from Techniquest direct to your email inbox.

FAQs

  •   What is Techniquest?

    Techniquest is an educational charity, with a science centre in Cardiff Bay. Our mission is to embed science in Welsh culture through interactive engagement. We provide a range of services to schools and teachers to complement formal education provision in Wales and work extensively with public audiences.

  •   Where can I park?

    We are pleased to be able to offer all of our visitors discounted parking with Q-Park, our preferred parking partner.

    The Q-Park operates the Cardiff Bay car park in Pierhead Street which is around 8 minutes walk from Techniquest.

    We have agreed a special discount rate for our customers of 15% off all pre-bookings.
    Pre-book and guarantee your space here using the code TECHNI15.

    There are also nearby pay-and-display car parks on Stuart Street and Havannah Street. Please do not park on Havannah Street itself.

    We regret that there is no parking on-site at Techniquest.

  •   Who is it for?

    Techniquest is suitable for all ages! We do have special events for certain groups, however — see Toddler Days and Home Educator days.

  • I have a different question.

    Please see our dedicated FAQ page.

  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo
  • logo