Engineering challenge open to everyone
Retired engineer and enthusiast Rory Cowan has designed and will help judge this year’s Schools Engineering Design and Make Challenge.
The competition, which is in its second year, sets an engineering challenge which requires pupils to execute engineering principals and overcome design issues to win cash prizes of up to £250.
As one would expect from an engineering challenge the objective is defined and detailed to the n’th degree, however, the simplified explanation is to transport three rubber bands to a target 25 metres away and to get as close to the centre of the target as possible. Each team that enters will have four attempts and ages will be taken into account when judges award points.
The competition will take place at Arran High School on Saturday February 18 at 9am and will be judged by Rory Cowan and Donald McNicol.
This year, for the first time, an adult competition is to be held the following day, Sunday February 19. Using the same challenge as the youngsters, it is open to anyone on the island. Entries can be from individuals or teams of up to six entrants, with a top prize of £125
Rory said: ‘Scotland has such a long and proud history of producing practical and well-known engineers, yet the engineering profession in all its guises is just about swept aside. It makes no sense at all. We need to encourage our youngsters to get interested in engineering. There is so much opportunity for us all.’
For further information Rory can be contacted on 820603. Entry forms are available from Rory or by email from Donald at kebars@hotmail.co.uk, where they should be returned. Entries close on Wednesday January 25.