Year 5 pupils at Skipsea Primary School swapped the classroom for the role of renewable energy consenting experts and project engineers this month. They took on the challenge of identifying the best location for a wind turbine during a hands-on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) workshop delivered by the DBS team and their education provider, UKSTEM.
Taylor Williams, stakeholder manager, and Tom Tremlett, senior consents manager, were joined by Mike Cargill from our education provider UKSTEM to lead the interactive session, which introduced pupils to some of the environmental and engineering considerations involved in developing offshore wind farms.
Skipsea Primary holds particular significance for the proposed projects, as it is located on the outskirts of the village identified as the proposed landfall location where the offshore export cables would come ashore.
Working in teams, pupils explored the school grounds to identify the most suitable locations for a model wind turbine. Guided by the project team, they considered a range of real-world constraints, including nearby buildings, trees, wildlife habitats and existing infrastructure, before selecting their three preferred locations.
Armed with compasses, model turbines and connected voltmeters, the pupils tested each location by measuring wind strength and direction. By calculating the average wind speed recorded at each site, they were able to determine which location would generate the greatest amount of electricity.
The winning team, pictured with Tom, DBS senior consents manager, and Year 5 teacher Mrs Smith, recorded an average reading of 4.7 volts and received UKSTEM fidget spinner keyrings in recognition of their efforts.
Taylor, stakeholder manager for DBS, said: "Activities like this help bring STEM subjects to life by giving pupils the opportunity to solve real engineering challenges. It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm, teamwork and problem-solving skills on display, and we hope the session has inspired some of the next generation of engineers, scientists and environmental specialists."
The visit forms part of DBS’ wider commitment to supporting education, developing skills and creating opportunities for young people across the communities closest to the proposed development.