On Thursday 13 January, 40 Year 9 and 20 Year 10 pupils studying Design Technology, took part in the Smart Building Challenge STEM Day run by the Smallpeice Trust.
Pupils worked in groups of 6 to complete several engineering-based team challenges. The main challenge was to build a complex working rainwater collection, filtration, and containment tank with an automatic electronic water pump, to pump water around a new-build, smart home. The cross curricular challenge involved pupils applying knowledge from all STEM subjects (Science, Design Technology, Engineering, English and Maths). Pupils in each team took on different roles in project management, marketing, finance, design and construction, culminating in practical group presentations.
During the day, pupils also listened to an interesting talk from two young graduate engineers about engineering careers in South West Water and how the company treats, contains and conserves water in harmony with the natural environment.
Congratulations to all teams for designing and making some fantastic working prototypes and for excellent, well-rehearsed presentations.
All pupils received SW Water stainless steel water bottles, and other gifts. We are very grateful to South West Water and the Pennon Group, who sponsored this year’s challenge.
More photographs can be found on Facebook.
Article by Mrs Collard, Teacher of Product Design
Categories: Academic
