A talented Thanet eight-year-old has scooped the primary top prize at this year’s The Big STEM Challenge.
The event, held at Discovery Park last Friday (October 18), involved youngsters aged from 2-to 18 with showcases of magnificent STEM studies, sharing knowledge and competing for a range of prizes.
Finalists came from across Kent and included Ellington Infant School in the Science Week Studies sections and talented Woody Jones, from Holy Trinity Church Of England Primary School in Dumpton Park Drive, who took top prize for his brilliant creation of a litter-picking robot.
Woody said: “The beach buggy I made cleans up plastic from the beach. With a 3D printer, the used plastic will be turned into buckets and spades. I made it so the beaches can be used for fun and the seas aren’t full of rubbish as there is lots of plastic in our oceans.
“At the convention, it was sunny and warm inside. I had my own stall and a few secondary school contestants came to look at it. I sat and told them all about it and why I wanted to create it, they were very impressed. I am so happy that my creation won.”
Holy Trinity science co-ordinator Mrs Jackson added: “As a school, we are immensely proud of Woody’s outstanding achievement in winning the STEM challenge with his innovative litter-picking robot.
“His dedication, creativity, and exceptional problem-solving skills have truly shone throughout this project. At our school, we are committed to fostering curiosity, nurturing a passion for learning, and instilling a deep respect for both the environment and our community, and Woody’s success is a perfect reflection of these values.
“His robot demonstrates not only his technical expertise but also his strong sense of environmental responsibility.
The Big STEM Challenge 2024. The Gateway, Discovery Park, Ramsgate.
“Woody has also been a remarkable STEM Ambassador and I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with him throughout last year. He actively supported me by testing new equipment, providing valuable ideas to improve our science teaching, and helping to shape and trial activities for our Summer Term STEM Day.
“I am excited to see how he continues to develop his skills and make a positive impact in the world of STEM in the future.”
The Big STEM Challenge Final is an exciting competition open to primary, secondary, and further education students, designed to showcase the innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) work happening both in schools and at home. The challenge aims to encourage and recognise the talents and achievements of young minds in the field of STEM.
Individuals and schools were invited to participate in the Big STEM Challenge. Students could enter individually, working on their own STEM projects, or schools could submit collaborative entries involving groups of students. The competition provides a platform for students to demonstrate their creativity, problem-solving skills, and scientific knowledge through hands-on projects.
The Big STEM Challenge 2024.
One of the highlights of the Big STEM Challenge was the Science Fair. The Science Fair serves as a platform for students to showcase their projects to a wider audience, including judges, fellow participants, educators, and parents. It allows students to explain their work, share their findings, and engage in discussions with others who share their passion for STEM.
This year the Science Fair included external exhibitors. The Starlight Planetarium wowed young space enthusiasts, Vattenfall supplied VR headsets sharing the inner workings of an offshore wind turbine, Ovenden Plant Hire shared their Digger Simulator, Canterbury Christ Church University shared their Community Lab space, Willow Pumps brought a mobile pumping unit, Kim Vale shared some simple science that the young people could try back at school, and the University of Greenwich shared STEM opportunities too
For secondary school participants, there is an additional activity known as the Dragons Den. Inspired by the popular television show, this activity challenges secondary school students to pitch their STEM projects to a panel of “dragons” or judges who are experts in the field.
Sponsors: BAE Systems, Global Associates, Kent Renewable Energy Ltd, Kent Community Foundation, Charles Burnett III Memorial Fund, Discovery Park, Vattenfall, Willow Pumps, South East Timber and Damp, University of Greenwich.
