16 IET survey suggests parents put children off studying STEM New IET research suggests that parents’ lack of confidence in science and maths is discouraging the younger generation from pursuing these subjects at school and beyond. The survey, commissioned by the IET in May, explored the experiences of 1,000 parents of children aged 5-8. 43% of parents said they have heard their children say “I’m rubbish at maths” and 32% of parents themselves have used similar statements. For any child who is challenged by their school work, parents will likely be the first place they turn to for guidance and support. Yet parents say they find maths (35%) and science (24%) the most difficult homework subjects to help with. Parents are increasingly turning to technology to assist with homework – with Google (80.5%) and YouTube (17.1%) being the most popular solutions. David Lakin, IET Head of Education, said: “Parents need to be mindful of how their own confidence and enthusiasm towards certain subjects can influence and shape their children’s development from an early age. “This study suggests that parents are subconsciously dissuading their children through their attitudes towards STEM. We want to equip them with the knowledge and skills to better support and encourage their children in these areas, regardless of their own level of expertise. “Exciting young people about STEM and its endless possibilities will set them on a path that could lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career in engineering and technology.” To help parents find ways to encourage their children with STEM subjects, the IET hosted a Facebook Live ‘Parentorial’ in partnership with Mumsnet in June. Panellists included former IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year Yewande Akinola and Television Presenter Konnie Huq, who answered questions from viewers. The event attracted over 25,000 views and over 400 viewers commented or liked the content. If you missed the ‘Parentorial’, it’s still available to view on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/mumsnet/ videos/10156460844899025 Inspiring future engineers Mumsnet with Yewande Akinola CEng MIET (centre) and Konnie Huq (right) New challenge keeps children engaged with engineering Earlier in the summer, the IET teamed up with LEGO® and the UK Government’s Year of Engineering campaign to give schoolchildren across the UK more opportunities to meet STEM Ambassadors and develop their programming skills. The Engineers of the Future Challenge was designed as a new competition to keep teams of young people thinking like engineers and practising their robotics skills in the lead up to the new FIRST ® LEGO® League INTO ORBITSM season. Teams completed three programming challenges, working with STEM Ambassadors. They then made films on their projects and shared their experiences with other local schools. The winning teams will get the chance to showcase their inventions and films at a special event in UK Parliament later this year, aimed at demonstrating the importance of modern engineering skills to MPs. Speaking at the competition launch, Nigel Fine, IET Chief Executive and Secretary, said: “The IET is the delivery partner for FIRST ® LEGO® League in the UK and Ireland. We are extremely proud to be working with both LEGO® and the Government to inspire the engineers of the future. “The need for young people with STEM skills has never been greater and the Year of Engineering provides us with a brilliant platform to showcase the fantastic opportunities available to those who follow a career path into the profession.” Member News – November 2018 www.theiet.org/member-news