Scotland - education

Looking for inspiring resources to use in school?

We have a range of multimedia resources for teachers, careers advisers, parents, and volunteer ICE ambassadors.

So if you want an activity for a class or club – something hands-on, that's tried and tested – you'll find it here. We also have PowerPoint presentations, videos, careers information and useful links to lots more.

Browse through and download the schools resources you need

ICE also works with Tomorrow's Engineers, which provides clear information on careers in engineering. The Tomorrow's Engineers careers materials:

• Are mainly aimed 11 to 14-year-olds
• Show what young people can achieve by studying maths and physics
• Tell you about the huge range of careers available in engineering
• Explain the different ways to get an engineering career

Find out more about Tomorrow's Engineers

In your region

Find out more about some of the activities we run and support across Scotland.

Whilst we do our best to accommodate all requests, activities are dependent upon volunteers being available. If you'd like more information or want to book an activity then please contact us.

Bridges to Schools (P6, P7 pupils)

Rapid Response Engineering Challenge (S1, S2 pupils)

• Pupils are introduced to a scenario where they are the engineers in charge of helping people who have very little infrastructure left after a hurricane
• A highly interactive presentation is followed by pupils being 'trained' to become Rapid Response Engineers learning the importance of providing water, shelter, food, transportation and communication
• Pupils work on indoor and outdoor practical challenges in teams during an Activity Day
• The challenge is school led with input and support from civil engineers and supported with teaching materials and other resources such as lesson plans and the RREC manual

Engineering Encounters Challenge

This online engineering challenge allows students to design and load-test a bridge using a computer model.

An excellent learning tool, it introduces young people to civil engineering and applies a practical element to maths and science teaching. Interested Schools should download the software and register using the content code ICES.

Resources

ICE Scotland's Engineering the Commonwealth Games map and teaching resource tells the story of the engineering behind the Commonwealth Games. It includes useful venue information and activities relevant to STEM subjects and geography and history, as well as careers information for civil engineering. The resource highlights some of the sustainability challenges our cities face through consideration of key themes such as water, waste, energy and transport and encourages learners to think about the day to day infrastructure we take for granted in the developed world.

You can download a copy of the map below:

Commonwealth Map front
Commonwealth Map back

Contact scotland@ice.org.uk for your copy.

The Queensferry Crossing

The Queensferry Crossing is Scotland’s biggest transport infrastructure project in a generation and will safeguard and improve a vital connection in the country's transport network. A new 1.7 mile (2.7km) bridge across the Firth of Forth is the most eye-catching element but the scheme also involves major improvements to the road network in the east of Scotland.

It will change the way people travel between Edinburgh and Fife and beyond by increasing reliability, improving journey times, easing congestion and offering better connections. The project uses innovative methods and cutting-edge technology and materials to pioneer techniques in civil engineering and construction.

• The new bridge is the largest by far to feature cables which cross mid-span. This innovative cable arrangements provides strength and stiffness so the deck and towers can be narrow and elegant
• Wind shields will almost entirely eliminate the need for closures during high winds
• Cables can be replaced without closing the bridge and dehumidification system prevents corrosion
• Thicker road surfacing with longer surface life which can be machine laid making it easier to replace
• ,li>An Intelligent Transport System (ITS) over 13.7 miles (22km) of 'managed motorway' will help regulate the flow of traffic approaching and crossing the Forth. A first for Scotland.

The existing Forth Road Bridge will be maintained as a dedicated public transport corridor for buses, pedestrians and cyclists. By maximising the use of the existing road network, the FRC’s connecting roads will result in less impact on the environment, properties and communities. The scheme is on track for completion in 2016.

What do you need to do to become a civil engineer?

If you're interested in a university or college course in civil engineering, it's important to make sure that the course you choose is 'accredited'. This means that it meets the Engineering Council's quality and curriculum standards.

Having accredited academic qualifications will make it easier for you to become professionally qualified as a chartered engineer (CEng), incorporated engineer (IEng), or engineering technician (EngTech). Use our course search to find accredited courses throughout the UK.

Opportunities in your region

ICE Scotland has strong links with further and higher education institutions that offer accredited engineering courses. Our Graduate and Student Committees across Scotland organise a wide range of events - many of which are free -  to encourage students to join in, and to develop their knowledge and skills. ICE Scotland has close ties with:

Universities

• The University of Aberdeen
• The University of Abertay
• Dundee University
• University of Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Napier University
• Glasgow Caledonian University
• University of Glasgow
• Heriot-Watt University
• University of Strathclyde
• University of the West of Scotland

Colleges

• Ayrshire College
• Dundee and Angus College
• Edinburgh College
• Fife College
• Forth Valley College
• Glasgow Clyde College
• Inverness College
• Glasgow Kelvin College
• North East Scotland College
• Perth College
• West College Scotland
• West Lothian College