University of Bedfordshire STEM Day 2022
EcoStyle was invited to support one of the University of Bedfordshire’s ‘STEPs into STEM’ days, held at the university’s state-of-the-art new STEM Building. The aim of the programme is to give students the opportunity to meet a range of local STEM companies, while raising awareness of STEM careers.
EcoStyle’s Simon Hall ran two interactive wind energy education sessions with pupils from Luton schools including Icknield High School, The Stockwood Park Academy, Challney High School for Boys, Chiltern Academy, and All Saints Academy in Dunstable.
Working in small teams, pupils had the opportunity to experiment with EcoStyle’s Wind Turbine Kit, using floor-standing electric fans as a wind source.
Pupils investigated different blade numbers, blade angles and gear ratios to determine the optimum configuration to achieve the highest voltage output. Each team then presented their designs and explained the rationale behind their decisions.
Simon is an alumnus of the University of Bedfordshire, graduating in 2001 with a first-class honours degree in Product Design.
Simon said: ‘I’m very grateful for the invitation to support my university, and to have this opportunity to engage with local schools. It’s incredibly satisfying to see our products in use, and to see pupils’ enthusiasm while learning about renewable energy. I hope that the STEM day has inspired some students in their choice of career path.’
