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Future Technologies: Semiconductors

Learn how computer chips made the technological revolution possible!

Future Technologies: Semiconductors

Oriel Science, a Science Centre in Swansea city centre, is offering a free workshop about Future Technologies and it’s all about semiconductors (the tiny but mighty materials inside computer chips that power our modern world!).

This new school workshop invites students to explore how computer chips work, how they are manufactured, and where they are used. There will be hands-on activities on how semiconductors are used to make computer chips, solar cells and how they help our electricity power grid.

South Wales is behind the technology in iPhones and modern cars. Book this workshop and help your students discover the region’s growing semiconductor sector and the careers it can lead to.

The workshop is linked to the National Curriculum for Wales, and connects physics, chemistry, and technology topics to real-world applications in computing, renewable energy, and manufacturing.

The workshop activities are carefully differentiated, inclusive, and engaging, ensuring a high-quality experience that is both educational and inspiring for all participants.

These activities are part of CSconnected: Sparking STEM Futures, in collaboration with Swansea University, CISM, UKRI EPSRC.

Duration and availability

Lasting approximately 90 mins, the workshop can accommodate between 15 and 36 participants.

Book anytime between 10am and 3pm Tuesday to Friday during term time.

Cost and location

Each workshop is funded by the Centre's generous sponsors and is free for state schools.

This workshop is primarily delivered at the Swansea city centre venue but can also be delivered in local schools upon request. Any school interested in discussing this possibility should make a comment in the special requirements section of the online booking form.

Oriel Science
21 - 22 Castle Street
Swansea
SA1 1JF

Learning outcomes

  • Improve engagement, interest or enjoyment in STEM subjects

  • Improve attainment and progress in STEM subjects

  • Learning what the engineering workplace is like

  • Develop engineering employability skills

  • Improve awareness and aspirations for STEM-related study and careers

  • Challenge stereotypes by showing the diversity of disciplines, people and skills involved in engineering

Topics

  • Materials
  • Light
  • Electricity
  • Computing
  • Structures
  • Mechanisms

Working scientifically

Whichever curriculum your school follows, pupils should have the opportunity to carry out practical investigations in science that help them to develop their scientific skills. This experience builds the following enquiry skills:

  • Asking questions
  • Making predictions
  • Setting up tests
  • Observing and measuring
  • Recording data
  • Interpreting and communicating results
  • Evaluating

Essential skills

The essential skills every young person needs to succeed in education and their future career. Find out more at the Skills Builder Partnership. This experience builds the following skills:

  • Problem solving - Finding solutions to challenges

  • Adapting - Overcoming challenges and setbacks to achieve goals

  • Teamwork - Working cooperatively with others to achieve a shared goal

Good for a career in...

  • Computing
  • Design
  • Electronics
  • Energy
  • Environment
What the teachers say

We would love to read all about your time with this experience!

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