3DW have developed school engagement activities based on wind farm development which promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills. 3DW were awarded funding by the Walney Extension Community Fund to deliver workshops in 12 schools in the North West during 2019.
Working with groups of 30 pupils per day, the students work in teams which are tasked with designing an offshore wind farm. They start by assigning themselves roles (Project Manager, PR Advisor, Financial manager etc.) and then start to plan a wind farm using maps, taking into account a host of different planning constraints.
They then visualise their designs in 3D software developed by 3DW and are able to fly around their creations using a VR headset. They must undertake financial modelling over the 25-year lifespan of the project then give a presentation to the rest of the class explaining and promoting their project. These sessions also help develop teamwork, presentation skills and other employment skills.
You can see a short video overview of a typical day below and view the evaluation which qualifies some of the fantastic feedback we have received from teachers and students.
Further to these sessions in the North West, 3DW has been awarded further funding by Ørsted to deliver 12 more sessions to schools in the North East of England during 2020.
Details of the grant award can be seen here.
