1. Rolls Royce
A group of our students in LIYSF went on a visit to Rolls-Royce, a prominent corporation that specialises
in the production of aero engines. They visited its main sites and explored its
unique history. Upon arrival, participants were divided into two groups and
began the visit by touring the Learning & Career Development Center. Their
tour guide, Mr. John Plant, introduced them to the beginnings of Rolls-Royce
airplane engines and proceeded to demonstrate the remarkable and innovative
evolutions of engine construction as the years progressed. Students enjoyed
viewing a wide range of engines, from those of helicopters and warplanes to
modern jets and passenger airplanes. Moreover, Mr. Plant explained the history
of Rolls-Royce’s foundation by the dynamic partnership of Charles Rolls and
Henry Royce. After a brief lunch break, our students were taken by Mr. Roy, a
lecturer, to an exhibition that showed the fundamental engine parts and
technologies that made airplanes a reality. Additionally, they were also able
to see some of the naval technologies that Rolls-Royce developed to expand its
scope in the transportation industry.
“Both tours were very exciting and informative, and I am
definitely looking forward to coming back to Rolls-Royce in the near future if
time permits!” – Perry Alagappan, USA
2. The National Oceanography Centre & University of Southampton's School of Ocean and Earth Science
A few of our students had the pleasure of visiting the National Oceanography Center in Southampton. The trip started off
with viewing of the ship "RV Callista", where our students were shown
its "wet" and "dry" labs and were introduced to how the
data is collected using computerized water waves movements and sounds. Participants
then learnt about how students from the University of Southampton's School of Ocean and Earth Science, of 40
different nationalities, overcame the challenges they faced during their time
on board the ship, as part of their research.
Soon the participants visited the aquarium where they met
the incredible blue European lobster "Rocky", who is currently 25
years old and examined her skeleton. Through this they learned about the special
adaptive traits of each species such as camouflage and hiding methods.
After a quick break, there was a lecture by Dr Ken Collins,
which focused on studying the oceans and the effect of climate change on them.
He also explained about the various opportunities in the future for young
scientists. Then the students moved on to visit the marine laboratory, where
samples of previous ocean documentations are being stored. The visit was concluded with the opportunity
to see the autonomous underwater vehicles – robot submarines - which are able
to survey the sea bed themselves. Overall the trip proved to be a very
educational and pleasurable visit!
3. University College London, Mullard Space Science Laboratory
Students at LIYSF visited the exquisite Mullard SpaceScience Laboratory, where the studies of space and advancement of space technology
are carried out. The first speaker, Mr.
Colin Forsyth welcomed and introduced our participants to University
College of London and the history of Mullard's Space Science Laboratory. He
stated how the research facility started with developing rockets and grew to fulfill
a more diverse set of roles. He then explained both current operating projects
(including 3D measurements of plasma) and future projects, such as sending a
probe to orbit the Sun to observe its surface. From his talk, students learnt a
lot about what plasma from the Sun is and how it affects our planet.
The next speaker, Mr. Matt Hills, outlined how his team of engineers developed a small rocket to be launched into the northern lights, with the aim of attaining a greater understanding of space plasma. Thereafter, students took a short break to return to Mr. Ian Hepburn, speaking to them about magnetic refrigeration, a process that uses a magnetic field to continuously cool equipment. It was astonishing to see that this method was not only used in space but could also be used in cooling pharmaceuticals etc.
The final speaker, Ms. Aisla Price, spoke about space weather
and how the activity from the Sun affects the conditions on Earth. Through
this lecture, participants gained a lot of knowledge about solar wind, solar
flares and coronal mass ejections. They also learned about the things they need
to know of to keep the Earth safe from the effects of the emissions of energy
from the Sun. Finally, the trip ended
with a brief visit to the Mechanical and Electronic Workshops. Here they were
able see the beginning of the design of an integral piece for a rover to be
sent to Mars.
“The trip was marvelous! All the talks very interesting
and they really did reach the peak of our curiosity!” – Peter-John Goldson,
Jamaica
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