Students catch tech bug with electric firefly installation

Bright lights: students gaze at electric 'firefly' project

Students at the Petchey Academy in Dalston turned on a solar swarm of electric ‘fireflies’ on Wednesday 27 March as part of a school programme run by SPACE studios.

The solar-powered LEDs lit up the side of the White Building in Hackney Wick to mark the finale of the ‘People Power’ programme, which aims to engage students in technology.

The Year 7 and 8 students worked with artists’ group Technology Will Save Us to explore renewable energy systems, electronics, and their potential uses through a series of talks and demonstrations.

Olivia Cole, Petchey Academy principal, said: “People Power is an inspiring programme and a great addition to the curriculum. The hands-on experience of technology and sustainability is a key part of the students’ learning.”

The ‘People Power’ programme hopes to engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM subjects) through creativity, and by hands-on experience making technology and learning about sustainability.

The programme was devised by SPACE Studios, an education charity that provides artists with affordable studios, and was sponsored by Bloomberg.

Fiona Fieber, head of learning and participation at SPACE, said: “People Power has developed into an excellent programme, harnessing the inspirational approach that an artist can take, to unlock interest in STEM subjects in secondary and primary schools. We look forward to working with many more schools in this way.”

The Solar Swarm installation was built by students with the help of Hackney-based artists and engineers. Its LEDs mimic the behaviour of real fireflies by switching on and off in response to the activity of the lights nearby.

Douglas Thackway, Operations Manager for SPACE, said he was delighted with the way the programme has gone. He said: “It’s been a fantastic project. We achieved our mission of engaging schools and the community with arts and creativity.”

Until 21 April
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