Extended Degree Programme Students' Experiences with the Skyscraper Activity

Students who have not done well in high school mathematics and science but show aptitude may enrol for a 5-year degree, the Engineering Augmented Degree (ENGAGE). ENGAGE students take additional modules in parallel with mainstream modules. In 2010 the 275 students taking ENGAGE Physics did the Skyscraper activity. Logistical problems including sourcing materials and working with large groups. Results showed that many students did not plan well or use physics principles to guide their designs. Mixed race and gender groups functioned better than homogenous groups. Concepts from the activity will be developed further in 2011 in the ENGAGE Mechanics module.