Hands-On Science: How Team Repair’s Programme is Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists
Science education often struggles to engage students in ways that feel relevant to their everyday lives. Hands-on learning provides essential real-life experiences to tackle this.
There is an increasing demand for scientists in the worldwide workforce. The European Union stated in its 2004 Blueprint for Action that, “more hands-on experience is necessary, especially in primary and secondary education, where courses should be designed to spark the curiosity and meet the interests of young people.” Sadly, little progress has been made in the UK since then and this is still a challenge. In 2024, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) estimated a shortfall of over 173,000 workers in the STEM sector in the UK. This gap highlights the importance of finding solutions like hands-on learning to engage students early, inspire interest in STEM fields, and equip them with the skills needed for the future workforce.
What is Team Repair doing?
Team Repair is addressing this gap. We create repair kits that allow children to fix fun gadgets containing intentionally designed faults. This hands-on approach encourages them to tap into their natural curiosity. As they disassemble and repair the gadgets, they also learn about the science behind each component through integrated video and written material. This provides an engaging experience that connects them with both STEM concepts and sustainability. By connecting education to practical problems, we not only maintain student interest but also inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.
At Team Repair, we are not just tackling the STEM skills gap but also working to make the workforce more diverse and inclusive. In light of International Women’s Day on March 8th, it is a good time to point out that women still only make up 29.4% of the STEM workforce in the UK. 63% of the girls who tried our hands-on repair kits said they felt more confident about repairing things, compared to just 48% of boys. Half of the girls told us it was their first time fixing something, while only 22% of the boys said the same. A recent Microsoft report evidenced that practical hands-on experience has the biggest positive impact on a girl's interest in STEM, yet 39% of the girls that they surveyed said that they were not getting enough of these experiences. These numbers show just how much girls miss out on opportunities to get involved in STEM activities and how our kits are providing more girls with STEM skills and confidence.
By empowering students to learn through hands-on experiences and fostering a more inclusive environment, Team Repair is not only inspiring the next generation of scientists but also helping to shape a more sustainable STEM workforce for the future.
