Coleraine College and St Joseph’s have take part in UK engineering challenge

Budding young engineers from both schools have taken up the task of researching, designing and building solutions to real engineering problems.

The event was part of the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Faraday education programme.

The Faraday Challenge Days aim to encourage more young people to study and consider exciting and rewarding careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) by encouraging creativity, innovation and problem solving skills.

42 Year 9 students studying Science, Design Technology and Maths pupils were involved, creating seven teams of six, each teams had pupils from both schools.

Dee Halil, IET Education Manager, said: “Students taking part in the Faraday Challenge Days experience hands-on design and practical work giving them a peek into the life of a real engineer, the variety of engineering out there and the central role it plays in our everyday lives. We are confident that this will challenge young people’s perceptions of engineers and the jobs they do.

“The challenge was unveiled afresh at each event, so it’s top secret until then, but with the Olympics less than a year away, we can say that it will be about finding a solution to a real engineering problem linked directly to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This is a great way to show young people the vital role engineering has played in the Olympics.”

Each team member in the winning group was presented with a £20 Amazon voucher each. The top three teams from across the UK will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the national final in London in June 2012 to compete for a cash prize of up to £1,000 for their school.

The Faraday Challenge Days are part of a wider Faraday education programme, made up of a whole host of teaching resources and activities to inspire and attract the engineers of tomorrow.

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