Ross-shire pupils rise to STEM challenge as Young Engineers and Science Clubs contest puts them to the test; Dingwall, Park, Newmore, Loch Duich and Glenelg and Avoch amongst competitors
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BRIGHT sparks from across Ross put through their paces at a celebration of science, technology, maths and engineering showed their mettle.
Staged before the new restrictions on social distancing were brought into force, the event was part of the Young Engineers & Science Clubs (YESC) programme sponsored by Bristow Helicopters Ltd.
Young people from primary schools which included Dingwall, Park, Newmore, Loch Duich and Glenelg were involved in a variety of challenges and competitions throughout the day.
They showcased their projects to challenge for a variety of titles.
The Newcomers award went to Newmore Primary in Easter Ross.
The day included a STEM Challenge which saw 10 organisations provide hands-on tasks for schools to complete. The challenges doubled up as an opportunity to provide an insight into the wide range of careers in the STEM industry.
The winners of the STEM challenges were Park Primary in Invergordon.
The event also hosted the regional heat of Charge!, a national STEM challengesupported by Scottish Power. Teams explored gears and energy storage to build an electric lorry to transport as much cargo as possible without running out of power between charging stations. Avoch Primary produced one of the winning designs.
An engaging and insightful talk on the Search and Rescue work undertaken by Bristow Helicopters prompted lots of questions from the
audience.
Captain Guy Holmes, who presented the awards, said his team was very impressed with the aptitude and problem-solving skills displayed by the school teams. He said: "These events are important in helping school children appreciate just how vital the learning from STEM subjects is once they enter the workplace, and we look forward to supporting future events.”
Melanie Riddell, YESC programme manager for SCDI, said the event inspired and enthused young people about science and
engineering through practical and exciting challenges and giving an insight into possible careers.
