What is plugin2engineering?

plugin2engineering is a fresh, new web based resource for students who wish to learn more about power and engineering.

In the game students enter the virtual world of 'Electronica', the world's largest artificial island. Once inside students will build a power network to supply the whole island in time for the Electronica Games.

Inside Electronica

As an engineer inside the game, you will   take on the role of Project Manager, meeting challenges and solving problems to get the island's power infrastructure ready.

Inside Electronica you'll be able to:

• tour the island, and meet people working in real-life jobs related to the energy network
• respond to virtual phone calls and emails from the engineers that you meet on your tour to undertake a series of fun, interesting challenges that let you put your scientific knowledge to the test and offer an insight into various engineering careers  
• complete a test to gain full Project Manager status; and
• make the network live, resolving problems   to make sure that vital energy supplies   reach homes, schools and businesses   - and the Electronica Island stadium.

What support materials are there?

The plugin2engineering team has also developed support material including:

• Teachers' notes, which provide an overview of plugin2engineering
• Curriculum links for England, Scotland and Wales
• Information cards, highlighting key scientific information necessary to complete the online challenges and offline activity cards
• Activity cards, which guide students through practical activities linked to   key themes
• Careers information, allowing students to go further and explore some of the jobs related to the energy network.

Teachers can order print copies of all of these resources, or download them online. Please see the pages on the home page for the game.

To register for your classroom pack click here or use the link at the top right of your screen.

How will plugin2engineering help me?

plugin2engineering supports schools in educating young people about science, engineering and technology. It has strong links with the Key Stage 3/S1-S2 curriculum, with GCSE/Standard Grade Science and also with the new Engineering Diploma.

The Engineering Diploma

The Engineering Diploma has been developed   to teach young people about engineering in ways that relate to work, bringing engineering to life for students and equiping them with the skills that employers need.

One of the key reasons that the Engineering Diploma has been introduced is that there is currently a shortage of UK students taking up engineering-related courses and careers. The plugin2engineering resource will help   to address this by raising awareness of engineering as a career choice, equiping young people with the skills and abilities required and to boosting the recruitment of young people into various engineering-related careers within E.ON.

To find out more about the exciting careers available at E.ON please click here: eon-uk.com/careers

The future of plugin2engineering

plugin2engineeringwill also provide a practical and effective platform for employee engagement. In 2009 E.ON employee volunteers will be trained to deliver introductory lessons to schools across the UK.

The plugin2engineering team   is also developing a plugin2engineering tour. Trained workshop leaders, accompanied by employee volunteers from E.ON, will visit schools and deliver a workshop in which small groups of students move round a carousel of practical, offline activities, each related to a different career related to the engineering and the energy industry.

The volunteer lessons and tour will give students the opportunity to meet real engineers, further helping to bring the curriculum to life. If you want to know more please email us at plugin2engineering@eon-uk.com