Hundreds of children from schools in Bath, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Dorset will be programming Lego robots and creating cardboard racing cars at the University of Bath next week (9 July) in an attempt to win £1,500 for their school.
It’s part of the Big Bang South West, the biggest display of school students’ science, technology, engineering and maths projects.
More than 350 children aged between 11 and 19 will be taking part in the event on Friday 9 July presenting more than 140 projects.
Pupils from nearby schools will also be coming along to see the projects in action.
Engineers and scientists from industry will judge the presentations, with students competing for trophies and prize money totalling £1,500.
The prize will be presented by representatives from Rolls-Royce, the major supporter of the event.
The competition is the South West regional final of the CREST Awards organised by the British Science Association, and the Young Engineers for Britain Competition organised by Young Engineers and the National Science & Engineering Competition. Winners will go forward to represent the South West at the National Big Bang to be held in London during National Science and Engineering week in March 2011.
Organiser John Trickett, of Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) education, part of the Division for Lifelong Learning, said: “It will be a fun day for all.
“Students can try their hand at raising water and testing the brain.
“There will be opportunities to program Lego robots, attempt to get around the world in 80 days, and build a racing car propelled at 30 metres per second!”
“One of the highlights will be the famous Dr Ken’s Science Circus Show which will be held in University Hall and will be exploring the science behind the thrills and spills of the circus and asking why do jugglers love gravity?”
More information about the event is available from John Trickett on 01225 386930 or by email.