The final of The Big STEM Challenge 2025 took place at Discovery Park in Sandwich last month, celebrating the creativity and ingenuity of young people across Kent and Medway.
The competition, open to primary, secondary, and further education students, recognises and rewards outstanding projects in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Ellington infants took the overall top prize in the primary school category for their Ada Twist Experiments.
Budding scientists in Years 1 and 2 at Ellington Infant School in Ramsgate also earned their CREST Star Awards earlier this year for the hands-on science initiative.
Inspired by the children’s book Ada Twist, Scientist, the pupils embraced their natural curiosity to ask questions, make predictions, and investigate the world around them.
The children explored a variety of scientific challenges—ranging from testing the strength of pegs, exploring the school forest area for bugs, experimenting to find the most suitable material to fix an umbrella, and more. Each experiment encouraged them to think critically, work collaboratively, and reflect on their findings.
Designed to inspire curiosity and innovation, The Big STEM Challenge invites both individuals and schools to take part. Students can submit their own STEM creations or collaborate in teams to develop hands-on projects that demonstrate real-world problem solving, innovation, and scientific understanding.
A key feature of this year’s event was the Science Fair, where participants proudly presented their projects to judges, teachers, and fellow students. The fair provided an interactive space for young scientists to explain their ideas, showcase results, and share their enthusiasm for STEM with a wider audience.
The event also welcomed a range of external exhibitors who added even more excitement to the day. Highlights included MAV Systems’ camera-building activity, Vattenfall’s VR offshore wind turbine experience, Ovenden Plant Hire’s Digger Simulator, Canterbury Christ Church University’s Community Lab tours, The Wonder Lab Project’s forensic science investigation, Code Kids Kent’s coding challenge, and KCS Education’s interactive demonstrations of the latest school science equipment.
Students from Laleham Gap School and Chilton Primary joined as special guests, also taking part in the hands-on STEM experiences on offer.
For secondary school entrants, the popular Dragons’ Den returned once again. Inspired by the hit TV show, the session challenged students to pitch their STEM ideas to a panel of expert judges – or “dragons” – who assessed projects for innovation, practicality, and potential impact. Students rose to the challenge with a one-minute video pitch, a two-minute presentation, and three minutes of quick-fire questions from the dragons.
Beyond competition, The Big STEM Challenge aims to spark a lifelong interest in STEM, encouraging young people to think critically, work collaboratively, and communicate their ideas effectively. By connecting students with professionals and providing a platform to share their work, the event helps nurture the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Prizes this year included exclusive visits to BAE Systems to try their flight simulators, to MAV Systems to construct and fly a drone, and to Holdfast Training to visit their training centre, as well as vouchers, and cash rewards for the top projects.
