Grown-ups are being given the chance to experience learning through play when they visit a free Engineering Late open evening at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).
A section of the Rochester Bridge Trust’s famous bridge-themed adventure golf will be relocating to the ICE for the evening of Friday, 11th October, as part of an event showcasing a range of hands-on activities and talks about civil engineering projects.
The course, which was previously located in the Nave of Rochester Cathedral, was created to introduce families to civil engineering by encouraging participants to engage with bridges and learn about the different structures and materials they have to cross. Among the model bridges hosted by the ICE will be the QEII Dartford Crossing and Rochester’s Roman bridge.
Bridge Clerk Sue Threader, who is also a Fellow of the ICE, explained: “The adventure golf was designed to be education by stealth, encouraging children to think about the impact bridges have on their lives and how those crossings are created. We were thrilled to see how popular the course was in its first location and feel certain it has encouraged many thousands of young people to take an interest in STEM subjects.
“We are now pleased to be able to bring part of the course to the ICE, so visitors can experience this hands-on learning for themselves.”
The evening, which is free to attend, includes talks from speakers involved in some of the largest civil engineering projects under way in London, as well as a consideration of the interplay between engineering and art, archaeology and place making. There will also be virtual reality, technology demonstrations, live music and the opportunity to explore the magnificent Grade II-listed Edwardian building that is the home of the ICE.
Engineering Late runs from 6-10pm in One Great George Street, London. Tickets are free but must be booked.