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Welcome to STEP Forward, an exciting project designed to bring the cutting-edge world of fusion energy into Key Stage 2 classrooms. Backed by the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Ingenious scheme, our aim is to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers to become the makers of tomorrow.
Supporting teachers, inspiring pupils
Supporting teachers, inspiring pupils
We know that introducing complex engineering concepts can be daunting. That’s why STEP Forward has been co-produced with teachers and pupils.
We provide high-quality, bespoke resources and clear step-by-step guidance to help teachers deliver meaningful engineering challenges with confidence.
Detailed lesson plans with contextual knowledge and key information for teachers
Interactive whiteboard slides to engage pupils
Slide-by-slide notes to support teaching
Printable activity resources to support learning
Helpful Handouts to guide pupils
What is Step Foward?
Children learn about their world — and learn how to make it.
Children learn about their world — and learn how to make it.
STEP Forward leverages the University of Sheffield’s world-class expertise in innovation, education, and community engagement to bridge the gap between the classroom and real-world engineering.
This is more than just a lesson plan; it’s an invitation to explore a cleaner future. By connecting local school communities with real-world engineering challenges, we are helping children step forward into a world of innovation, making, and discovery.
What is fusion energy?
What is a Tokamak?
Fusion Engineers
"By engaging children today, the project aims to cultivate the workforce of tomorrow, full of creative thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers"
"By engaging children today, the project aims to cultivate the workforce of tomorrow, full of creative thinkers, innovators, and problem-solvers"
Dr Alison Buxton STEP Forward project lead and Senior Innovation Fellow at the University of Sheffield
Exploration
Curiosity and Context
Noticing and wondering
Concepts, materials and tools
Skill Builder
Confidence and competence
Short, focussed, instructional
Specific skills and knowledge
Tinker Time
Deep engagement
Motivation, skills and time
Authentic and meaningful
What is Step Fusion?
What is Step Fusion?
In 2024, the UK government announced a record £2.5 billion investment into fusion energy.
The investment included support to build the world's first commercial fusion power plant by 2040, known as STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), at the site of a former coal power station at West Burton, on the borders of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire in the UK.
Expected to create over 10,000 jobs, the plant will be key to the government’s plans for the UK to become a clean energy superpower, and children who are currently in primary schools across the UK, will one day be its future designers, engineers and technicians.
Meet an Engineer
Meet an Engineer
Engineering is a fantastic career, where creativity and problem-solving thrive.
Engineers design our world, from bridges to apps. Showcasing how diverse engineers are helps every child see themselves in this exciting, varied field.
We invite pupils to explore engineering through different ways in the project:
Meet an engineer profiles
Resources from The Royal Academy of Engineering https://thisisengineering.org.uk
Engineer stories in each activity
Careers quiz
Careers quiz
Ever wondered what an engineer does? Could you see yourself exploring outer space, protecting the environment, designing apps or improving health and well-being?
Engineers do all this, and more! Answer a few short questions and find out how YOUR skills and passions could lead to an exciting job in the future. Take the quiz and get ready to be inspired…
"Children who are currently in primary schools across the UK, will one day be its future designers, engineers and technicians."
"Children who are currently in primary schools across the UK, will one day be its future designers, engineers and technicians."
FAQs
FAQs
If your question isn't answered here, we are always happy to hear from you. Email the team at makerfutures@sheffield.ac.uk
Who are the STEP forward activities aimed at?
Who are the STEP forward activities aimed at?
We have developed the activities to be suitable for upper KS2 but they could also be easily adapted for younger children.
What teaching resources are available?
What teaching resources are available?
For each activity, there is detailed information in the teacher guidance pack, a set of teacher slides, helpful handouts and printable resources. All of the resources can be downloaded from our website.
Do I have to do all 5 activities?
Do I have to do all 5 activities?
No. We recommend that everyone completes the core activity: Energy Explorers. The other activities have been designed as stand alone activities.
Do have I have to have specific knowledge or skills?
Do have I have to have specific knowledge or skills?
No. We have provided detailed teacher notes including background knowledge and slide-by-slide notes to support your teaching.
Does it support the National Curriculum?
Does it support the National Curriculum?
Whilst we have included links to the National Curriculum where appropriate, the STEP forward activities are designed to compliment your existing curriculum. Prior knowledge and skills are enhance, strengthened and deepened.
Are the teacher notes scripted?
Are the teacher notes scripted?
No. The slide-by-slide teacher notes suggest approaches but are flexible enough for teachers to adapt them to their own classes.
I'm short for time. Do I need to do all three elements of an activity?
I'm short for time. Do I need to do all three elements of an activity?
The three elements - exploration, skill builder and tinker time - have been constructed to complement, enhance and strengthen learning. By doing all three elements, children will produce better quality outcomes but teachers should feel free to select aspects from each element that are most beneficial for their aims and their classses.
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