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We have an active program of working with students and teachers in local
schools to help support science, math and technology. We also work to encourage
pupils to develop skills that they will need in their future careers. Our
employees regularly visit schools to help with projects and we also welcome
groups of students to the site.
National Science and Engineering Week at Dow Corning, Barry
National Science and Engineering Week aims to promote science subjects in
school children across the UK. It runs each year in mid-March and for many
years Dow Corning has been involved by inviting primary school children from
local schools to visit the site for hands-on experiments. Our 10 years of
involvement was celebrated in 2007.
Dressed in aprons, gloves and safety glasses, the children are challenged to
imagine they are Dow Corning scientists working on a project to help one of our
customers. The children work through a worksheet on an experiment that is
designed to support the National Curriculum and demonstrate that science can be
relevant, interesting and fun. Experiments laid on at Dow Corning can often
give teachers some new ideas that they can use in their classrooms
Many Dow Corning employees help out during the week-long program giving up
their time to guide students through their tasks. Local politicians, our
community advisory panel members and even government regulators pitch in during
the week.
In 2008, we challenged the children to find the best glue for a customer.
The children looked at two silicone liquids and formulated two separate glues.
Using masses they found the bond strength of their glues. It was real sticky
chemistry in action. The activity tests the children’s numeracy, literacy and
reasoning skills as well as their coordination and dexterity.
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| Young scientists get excited by their experiment in 2008 |
Examples of our school link activities:
January 2008 to April 2008
Following the success of last year’s scheme, Math Mentoring returned in
early 2008. Four local secondary schools are taking part approximately 25 Dow
Corning Barry employees are mentoring small groups of 12 year olds in the
wonders of mathematics. The program is to run for 10 weeks and is
supported by the local Council and an education-business links organization,
Careers Wales. Through talking, listening and some application of math theory,
mentors encourage youngsters to do better in the subject and reveal how math is
used in everyday life. Visits to Dow Corning are arranged so that students can
see where their mentor works.
February 2008
A local secondary school has used Dow Corning help to run a
business/enterprise activity to help teach 15 year olds the importance of team
working and business skills. Making paper water containers may not be the next
major ‘must have’ product but the principles of business, quality and team
working can be graphically represented through the exercise. Three Dow Corning
volunteers helped with the activity this year.
January 2008
Several employees helped give Year 11 students at a local secondary school
some interview experience. Our employee volunteers ran mock interviews to give
the students their first taste of being interviewed. Being prepared for an
interview at an early age can help ensure someone gets their first job or
secures a place in higher education institutions. Employees also helped
evaluate and give feedback on students’ curriculum vitae, application forms and
cover letters.
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