Knowledge Quarter Liverpool distributes new book to Liverpool city region schools that aims to inspire the next generation of local innovators
Primary schools across Liverpool city region have begun to receive copies of a brand new book which aims to inspire the next generation of local innovators.
The Animates: Learning in Liverpool tells the story of six animal friends who crash land from space in the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool (KQ Liverpool) innovation district. They must use science and technology to help them repair their ship and return home.
Written by local author Natalie Reeves-Billing, it has been specially commissioned by KQ Liverpool in partnership with Connected Places Catapult.
It is part of a major focus on inspiring and training the next generation of innovators by helping young people to understand the many career opportunities that exist in their home city.
Having been tracked by Liverpool John Moores University’s robotic telescope on their descent to Earth, The Animates are then guided on their journey around KQ Liverpool by robotic dog Splodge from the Manufacturing Technology Centre.
Their adventure takes in sites such as the Centre for Snakebite Research at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the Materials Innovation Factory at University of Liverpool.
More than 5,000 books will be delivered to schools over the coming weeks, accompanied by bespoke, localised lesson plans which are connected to the curriculum and aim to help teachers expand on the material in classrooms.
Colin Sinclair, chief executive of KQ Liverpool, said: “As we work to build a stronger city region economy, based on our strengths in health and life sciences, materials chemistry, advanced manufacturing and digital and creative industries, it’s essential that we engage local young people.
“Knowledge Quarter Liverpool is home to the brightest minds conducting world-class research and making global discoveries.
“Their work continues to help expand the scope of our innovation district and we want to ensure that people who live here have a chance to become part of that journey and benefit from its successes for their own families.”
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KQ Liverpool is set to expand its inclusive innovation skills and outreach activity over the next five years following £1.13m of Innovation Zone funding from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
The rollout of the new Animates book has been supported by the Liverpool City Region Careers Hub, CBRE, Lloyds Banking Group, Keir, Morgan Sindall and Sciontec.