It is intended that participants finish the projects knowing that they have done something worthwhile and have learned useful information in the process. However, we have also run versions of the projects for special needs groups, and very young children, with great success. There are two styles of programme. Most of these are based around a design and construction exercise which may involve many elements, including scientific investigation, technical problem solving, quality control, finance and costing, teamwork and even business management. The other type consists of a series of short duration projects covering a range of subjects often linkedby a central theme.
Participants work in small groups or teams.
Typically they spend 15 minutes on each mini-project. A complete cycle lasts about 90 minutes, allowing time for a complete class-size group to pass through. Students normally work in teams. These elements are put together in a unique way, that the participants find particularly fascinating. Most of the projects have been designed with the National Curriculum in mind.