Supported by Year 2 of the Just Transition PB (JTPB) Fund, TechFest’s EnergyXplorer Toolkit is empowering young minds to explore renewable energy while promoting a greener future.
Aberdeen based TechFest is a charity dedicated to fostering an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in the minds of people of all ages in the North East.
Thanks to the support from Year 2 of the JTPB Fund, TechFest has been able to further this mission by delivering innovative workshops with their new EnergyXplorer Toolkit. This project is already making waves, encouraging thousands of young people across the North East of Scotland to take an active interest in renewable energy.
The Power of Hands-On Learning
The EnergyXplorer Toolkit, funded by a grant of £11,367 from the JTPB Fund, is a hands-on learning resource designed to help people of all ages understand the fundamentals of energy production. From the simple principles of electricity generation using magnets and wires to the mechanics of large-scale wind turbines, this toolkit breaks down complex concepts into accessible, practical learning experiences.
Since February 2024, the EnergyXplorer Toolkit has been used at several different events, reaching over 6,200 people. This interactive resource has become an essential part of TechFest’s educational programming, allowing young people and their families to explore various renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and hydro energy.
Behind the Toolkit: An Insider’s Perspective with Yashka Smith, Education Manager at TechFest
Dr Yashka Smith, Education Manager at TechFest, highlights the impact of the EnergyXplorer Toolkit: “Essentially our EnergyXplorer Toolkit is a collection of equipment that helps explain the energy transition in a very flexible way. We use it to engage young people, their families, and the wider community on energy-related topics.”
For Yashka, the hands-on nature of the toolkit is key to making complex energy concepts understandable: “Some ideas can be difficult to grasp, especially for younger learners. But with practical tools, we can break things down into simpler steps. Almost everyone learns well when they can get hands-on. For young people, it’s a fantastic way to make connections between energy and their everyday lives, like understanding how the electricity that charges their phone is produced.”
One of the toolkit’s standout features is its ability to connect young people with renewable energy sources they can see in their own communities. “For a young person who sees a wind turbine out in Aberdeen bay, being able to use different blades and see the turbine in action through our toolkit helps them understand the type of energy changes happening. It’s powerful to witness the moment when that connection is made and you see the lightbulb moment with the young people using the kit!”
Engaging the Next Generation in STEM
A significant part of TechFest’s mission is to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM fields. Yashka believes that the EnergyXplorer Toolkit plays an important role in this: “We want to encourage young people to feel a connection over the processes of STEM in their lives, whether they go on to become scientists or engineers, or simply need to understand what’s happening around them. The energy transition will affect all of our young people, and it’s vital that they have the tools to understand it.”
The flexibility of the EnergyXplorer Toolkit means it has broad appeal across different age groups. As Yashka puts it, “We’ve been able to use this kit with everyone from five-year-olds to grandparents. It’s adaptable, and that’s what makes it such a valuable resource.”
JTPB Fund: A Community-Driven Initiative
The EnergyXplorer Toolkit wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Year 2 of the JTPB Fund. In August 2024, Year 3 of the Fund was launched with community groups and charities across the North East and Moray invited to apply for grants of up to £50,000 to support eco-friendly initiatives.
As with previous years, the overarching aim of the Fund is to make a positive difference in local communities by funding projects that support a greener and more sustainable future, and to help local people have their say over how the region transitions to Net Zero. As part of this initiative, the public gets the final say on which projects receive funding.
Yashka recalls the excitement of the voting process when TechFest took part last year. “We really encouraged everyone to vote, not just for us but for all the wonderful projects out there. It’s a powerful feeling to know that your vote can directly support a project that could change your community.”
A Call to Action: Your Vote Matters
The success of TechFest’s EnergyXplorer Toolkit is a testament to the impact that public votes can have.
Yashka emphasises the importance of participation in the vote: “It’s such an important process to be part of. I’d encourage everyone to take part, because your vote can support projects that have a real impact on your community. We’ve seen first-hand how this funding has allowed us to reach more people and continue inspiring young minds to engage with renewable energy.”
As TechFest continues its mission to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders, the EnergyXplorer Toolkit will remain a key resource. “There’s so much talent here in the North East, and we want young people to see themselves as part of the energy transition. That’s very important for us here at TechFest, and this toolkit is just one way we’re helping to make that happen.
You can find out more about the work of TechFest at www.techfest.org.uk and take part in year 3 of the Just Transition PB public vote before Wednesday 27th November at www.jtpbfund.scot/vote
