Emily is a first year Outreach Ambassador and first year undergraduate student in Psychology at the University of Kent.
Leonardo da Vinci was an artist, mechanic, inventor and a visionary extraordinaire. During the da Vinci Days students were asked to take inspiration from his work and legacy, and challenged to design and build a bridge armed with only the basic materials of straws, tape, pens, pipe cleaners, plasticine, scissors and even more tape. During these days each ambassador was responsible for a small group of pupils. Each group was tasked to build a free-standing bridge that was structurally secure, stable and looked good. Working in their teams, the pupils explored the Medway campus for structural and natural ideas that they could use in their bridge designs. This made a change from being stuck in a classroom all day and helped to engage the pupils. The groups had to come up with their own design that would make the bridge strong enough to withstand the weight of bags of sugar and then eventually the weight of bricks. Pupils were encouraged to work as a team designing and then building their bridges, making a fun day for both the pupils and the ambassadors.
“This year has been exceptional, ambassadors have pulled together as a team like never before, supporting each other and being engaged in the task. The students that have attended got involved, allowing them to be excited about science again. Dr Joe and Boyd have been excellent delivering the presentations each day and throughout the week. Despite the heat, ambassadors have managed to keep their energy levels high” – Ruth Westbury (Development Officer and da Vinci Days Event Lead)
Each group was enthusiastic and determined to build the best bridge. The task allowed the ambassadors’ and pupils’ creativity to flow, encouraging them to think outside the box. All groups participated in the semi-finals, where bags of sugar and bricks were placed on the bridges to test their strength. Design and teamwork were also assessed by a team of judges. Semi-finalists then qualified for the final, competing against each other to find the overall winners of the day. The winning team were awarded a medal as well as a trip to the National Science Museum which will take place in the summer. As the day progressed the competitiveness amongst teams increased, especially between ambassadors.
“One of the best da Vinci Days I have ever been involved in” – James Cavalier (Fourth year Outreach Ambassador and MA student in Medieval and Early Modern Studies at the University of Kent)
Despite the increasing heat during the week, the ambassadors’ enthusiasm did not dampen. The da Vinci Days allowed pupils and ambassadors to work with new people and face new challenges. Ambassadors who participated on the da Vinci Days described the event as a fun, relaxed, refreshing and enjoyable experience, creating a positive uplifting experience for everyone who participated. Many said that the days were challenging but rewarding, and they would happily do it all again.