About Enchanted Engineering
Aberdeen Science Centre (ASC), in partnership with Robert Gordon University (RGU) and local engineers across a range of disciplines, including electrical, environmental and chemical engineering, developed and delivered Enchanted Engineering, a project engaging the public with engineering activities themed around fairytales and highlighting the practical skills involved in the work of local engineers.
Between September and December 2024, 14 local engineers attended Skills Academy sessions led by ASC’s Public Programme Coordinators. During these sessions engineers were introduced to theory and research surrounding the impact of public engagement with science.
Engineers were asked to consider the practical and communication skills related to their careers so they could be incorporated into their public engagement activities. Engineers also had the opportunity to explore ASC’s exhibits and resources and take part in interactive science demonstrations to gain inspiration for developing their own activities.
Key outcomes
Supported by ASC staff, and following an activity development template, engineers developed their own engineering themed public engagement activities. Each activity was based on a fairytale prompt and incorporated real practical skills from their area of engineering expertise. ASC provided a list of prompts, for example, ‘design a new system for reaching the top of Rapunzel’s tower,’ and the engineers used their imaginations to create their own stories to frame their activities.
Six activities were developed and delivered to public audiences: Jack and the North Sea Beanstalk, Rapunzel’s Rescue, Mermaid’s Marine Mission, Viking Quest, Out of the Oven and into the Volcano, and Jack and Jill and the Hippogriff.
Delivery took place during an ‘Enchanted Engineering’ weekend, which engaged with 1,881 children and families on the 8th and 9th of February 2025 4 and a ‘Engineer Your Evening’ event exclusively for 78 young female members of Girlguiding aged 7-10 and 18 female adult unit leaders.
During the project, ASC measured the impact on both the engineers and the participants. For the engineers, the key impacts included increased interest in public engagement, improved public engagement skills, and more positive attitudes toward science communications and informal learning. For the participants, the key impacts included gaining new engineering skills, increased understanding of engineering, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and improved communication skills.
