Highland pupils impress with engineering skills
Tore and Munlochy primary school children have been part of an exciting STEM project with Primary Engineer to build and design shoe box and electric powered cars. Problem solving their way through designing and creating battery powered cars under the direction of engineers the pupils have been learning a wide range of STEM skills and worked well as part of a team to create fabulous vehicles.
On Tuesday 30th April pupils from Tore and Munlochy Primary School’s were invited to join many other schools at an exciting celebration event at Inverness College UHI. This event was run by Primary Engineer, an organisation dedicated to encouraging young children to become involved in the world of engineering through class projects and competitions.
At the event the children were interviewed by a variety of engineers from all over the country about how they made their cars. Pupils had to evaluate the whole project and demonstrate all the work they had completed in their teams. They also took part in some testing events to see if their cars could go straight and if they were able to go up and down ramps. The amazing team from the University of the Highlands and Islands’ STEM hub were also there to provide lots of stimulating activities for the children to take part in throughout the day to keep them engaged in between testing and judging.
Millie and Emma from Tore primary school impressed the judges so much with their bus that they came away with 1st prize. Daisy and Kristopher from Munlochy primary school then overwhelmed the judges with their animal rescue vehicle and gained a 2nd place prize. Winners received a well-deserved certificate and a book token and all participants received a certificate of participation.
Councillor John Finlayson, Chair of Highland Council’s Care, Learning and Housing committee, said: “Working alongside engineers is a wonderful and inspiring opportunity for our children as STEM plays a key role in the sustained growth and stability of the economy. These initiatives support the implementation of our curriculum design and the development of ambition and a can-do attitude amongst our young ones. A sincere well done to all the schools involved in this project.”