A team of AWE graduates participated in the annual Physics at Work event – held on 20-22 September at the University of Cambridge – to encourage and inspire 14-16-year-old schoolchildren to pursue STEM and to help them learn about how physics is used in the world of work.
Now in its 38th year, Physics at Work is a long-established activity in the University’s calendar – and AWE has always been a keen supporter. This year’s event attracted 1,528 students from 38 schools across the UK.
There was an exciting, fun and interactive presentation called ‘Evolution of a Blast Wave’ during which the physics principles of detonation, propagation and under-pressure phases were demonstrated – using a custard powder “explosion”, a Jelly Baby bridge, a giant slinky, and marshmallows in vacuum pots!
Of the 14 exhibitors who attended, AWE’s presentation came an honourable third overall as voted by the pupils.
AWE graduate, Sophie Gregory-Coleclough, said: “It was great seeing the students engaging with the demonstrations. We feel that it was an immersive way for them to learn about the physics of a blast wave.”
Many thanks and congratulations go to the AWE graduate team who organised the event. They were Allie Kay, Charlie Cummings, Al Dimech, Brad Smith, Alan Hewett, Abigail Jackson, Sophie Gregory-Coleclough, Sarah Anderson and Megan Sturgeon.
AWE looks forward to next year’s event.