PhD Student Researcher
What made you choose solar panels as your investigation topic?
Researcher: It was mainly because it was pretty much related to what I’m doing right now. I am working in an energy field area and that’s the closest part of it. And the teacher as well agreed to do that. Because it was my very first time to meet students in primary schools, I decided to have year six students rather than the younger one, because I know it might face some difficulties in terms of explaining the science to them.
How did you structure the activities?
Researcher: They did have some basic understanding, I would say, about this solar panel kit. So it was very interesting. They had more questions and they were excited because it’s a hands-on project, right? You can see the change immediately if we change the angle, if we change the LED and if you change the electrical devices, will it work or not? I also put an example specifically in Sheffield to, because we talked about other possibilities in terms of renewable energy, not only solar panel, but we also talked about wind and also hydro, the dome and the reservoir. I put the example about the Ladybower, so that they know that now we share it, we do have that, and it’s also possible to expand more.
What surprised you most?
Researcher: I actually initially expected that I would have kind of partner or another person that belongs to the same group as me. So I think I would expect that I would have a friend to have a discussion, because I was quite nervous to go to the school and especially it wasn’t located in Sheffield. But I think I managed all of them very well because I did visit kind of three times. And they also helped, the school provided some help to bring the kit to the class as well.
What have you taken from this experience?
Researcher: I feel that I have some improvements because after that, I’m still in contact with the research team and have included me in several events after that. So it really developed my confidence actually and I have several experiences working with schools voluntarily after that. So now I have a wide experience, not only for year six, I have also had experience with year two and year four. I know what kind of language that I could deliver because this study is quite specific. In terms of communication, it has some changes because you know it has a different audience. So you need to make sure that at which part that they understand so far and then from that we can continue.
What happens next?
Researcher: I would love to help with additional funding, I am happy to help and I’ve already said this to the research team. So I’m open to any opportunities. I think the programme, I think it’s because we are trying to put science closer to the students and in a very simple way. I think it’s important to give them the fun part of the science so that they want to know more later, or at least they are happy to learn about science and engineering.