The James Dyson Foundation untangles hair science with its new, free lesson plans for teachers
From the chemistry of hair, to the future of hair styling technologies, Engineering Solutions: Hair Science teaches young people about how STEM subjects can be applied to exciting industries to create future technologies and products. It is the James Dyson Foundation’s sixth free resource for schools, as part of the educational charity’s mission to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.
A sneak peek inside
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The Foundation’s Engineering Solutions: Hair Science resource contains three lesson plans to support teachers, with fun experiments for students to discover hair science, the structure and composition of hair, and the significance of hair as part of a person's identity, culture and beliefs. It includes case studies of Dyson’s hair science research and styling products, to explore how engineers develop solutions to problems such as hair and scalp damage.
The resource has been designed for teachers to weave into the UK’s Science, Design and Technology, and Mathematics curricula at Key Stages 3 and 4. It can be adapted to suit different timetables too, with presentations and videos available to complement each lesson.
"Engineering Solutions: Hair Science offers an exciting, hands-on approach to learning that bridges the gap between science and everyday life. By exploring the fascinating world of hair through the lens of engineering, we aim to inspire students with the diverse possibilities within STEAM and spark a curiosity that drives future innovation."
Juliet Charman, Global Head of the James Dyson Foundation
Dyson Beauty engineers helped to create the resource, ensuring each lesson plan gets to the root of Hair Science in an informative, engaging and digestible way. In the resource’s videos, they’ve also shared a glimpse into their day-to-day roles as hair care engineers, and their problem-solving journeys so far.
Hear their thoughts on the resource below.
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“There’s something out there in Hair Science for everyone. Whatever your interest, whatever your background. And it’s great to have a range of different people and perspectives coming into the field, so that we can, in the future, ensure that any research that’s done is applicable to all different types of people with all different types of hair.”
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“The James Dyson Foundation’s new Hair Science resource will help immerse students in the breadth of topics that make up engineering. Hair science isn’t something people would usually consider as engineering, and challenging this could encourage more students to engage in STEM subjects.”
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“A younger version of me would have perked up in class to learn about how my subjects of interest can be applied together in an exciting area like beauty. To learn that beauty and engineering aren’t contradictions and can intersect, would have expanded up my view and challenged my assumptions. I hope this resource has that impact.”
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“It’s amazing how something as common as hair can open doors to such a diverse array of knowledge and applications. Observing hair strands under a microscope reveals a fascinating world, one you can explore for years.”
Discover the James Dyson Foundation's other free resources
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Engineering Solutions: Future of Farming
Introduces students at Key Stages 1 and 2 to the farming industry, food production, and how engineering and technology play a vital role in the future of sustainable farming.
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Engineering Solutions: Air Pollution
Introduces students at Upper Key Stage Two and Key Stages Three and Four to the global impacts of air pollution, and how engineering can help us to find a solution.
Press contacts
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Dyson Press Office
Email: Press.Office@dyson.com
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James Dyson Foundation
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- X: @foundationdyson
- LinkedIn: James Dyson Foundation
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