The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) launches Faraday 08/09 – a resource for teachers of science, design and technology, engineering and maths.

The programme launched on the 11th September at the Emirates Stadium, North London. Named after Michael Faraday, one of the greatest innovators and communicators of his time, the new programme is an online resource from the IET for schools, which aims to inspire students and help those who are trying to reach them.

“The IET Faraday 08/09 programme is designed to demonstrate the excitement and value of engineering as a career,” said IET President John Loughhead, speaking at launch. “There is a growing acceptance that, despite improved exam results this year, we need more young engineers and because of this demand, there has never been a better time to choose engineering or one its associated disciplines as a career.”

“If we can all look for the Faraday factor in the children with whom we come into contact, we can help give them the opportunity which will change the world and which, in turn, changes the world in which we live,” said Loughhead.

The materials have primarily been designed for K3, GCSE and the new Engineering Diploma and include a range of support materials to fit all UK curricula.

The new website with a theme of ‘Engineering in Sport’ will feature some specially made films based around cutting edge sports technology and the engineers behind it. Also on offer is an interactive 3D game, a blog and the chance to win some fantastic prizes by entering the Faraday competition.

In addition to this, schools from all over the UK will be invited to send teams of Year 8 students to participate in locally held Faraday Engineering Challenge Days. Three teams will be chosen to take part in the national final, which will be held in London during the first UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair in March 09.

To find out more about this year’s IET Faraday, visit the website www.theiet.org/faraday