Pupils from Melbourn Village College spent a day at the University of Cambridge taking part in a hands-on climate change project.
The Year 8 pupils are working on their silver CREST Award, run by the British Science Association, which gives young people the chance to lead their own investigations in science, technology, engineering and maths.
As part of the award, the pupils chose to research how to make their school and community save energy and reduce the flood risk - as Melbourn is prone to flooding.
For the 'Living Laboratory: Climate Change' project the pupils started the day at the West Hub in Cambridge, looking at flood defences and prevention.
They also had a go at building a house from straws, plastic, tin foil and cardboard to keep a family safe in a monsoon, then tested the finished models under a shower.
Teacher Tracey Mayhead, who runs the CREST programme as an after-school activity and organised the trip, said: "The students had a very full day. Several of them commented on how much they enjoyed the competitive challenges and working with the civil engineers.
"I was really proud of how the students conducted themselves."
The pupils had lunch at Churchill College, before spending the afternoon working with civil engineers back at West Hub.
After finding out about careers in engineering, they helped build the tallest possible tower out of newspaper and took part in a scavenger hunt.
They then went on a tour of the chemical engineering department to gain insight into undergraduate life.
Dr Rachel Thorley, from the Cambridge department of engineering and Churchill College, said: "It is so important for pupils to have these aspirational opportunities and see first hand the vibrant environment they can be part of by doing higher education.
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"One thing that makes it really special for me is bringing together young people and inspiring engineering role models.
"There are a lot of misconceptions around engineering as a career and opening people’s eyes to the huge range of opportunities with an engineering degree is so worthwhile.
"For any pupils reading this: dream big and follow your passions."
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