Young engineers of the future design and race shoebox cars

Challenge: Pupils find fun way to embrace science and technology

Engineers of the future from primary schools across Angus gathered in Kirriemuir to race shoebox cars they had designed and built.

The pupils, from Cortachy, Glamis, Maisondieu, Newtyle, Northmuir, Southmuir and Tannadice primary schools competed in a number of categories, which included design and performance, in the event hosted by Webster’s High School.

The teams also gave presentations to a panel of local engineers from Rapungi Ltd and Dundee University on what they had learned and why their car should win.

Derek Mcinally, a teacher at Webster’s High School in Kirrie, said: “2018 has been designated as the Year of Engineering, possibly due to the fact that Scotland’s engineering sector has reported a fifth consecutive quarter rise in orders, output and employment.

“However, there are also reports of skill shortages and a significant shortage

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We feel that the interest in STEM subjects should be further encouraged

in female recruits to engineering and this uptake and gender inequality is equally reflected in Scottish schools.

“The STEM initiative (Science, Technical, Engineering and Maths) has seen an education drive to encourage pupils to consider studying STEM subjects with low uptake and consider pursuing a future career in these areas.

“At Webster’s High School we feel that the interest in STEM subjects should be further encouraged in primary and so this year we encouraged our local primary schools and two others in Brechin to engage their P4 and P7 pupils in designing and making a motorised car.”

The competition has been led by Primary Engineer, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to promote engineering careers for pupils through programmes and competitions, and the development of engineering skills for teachers and practitioners.

The winners:

Apprentice Level 1 – Cortachy Team 2; runner-up – Cortachy Team 1.

Engineer Level 1 – Northmuir Team 1; runner-up – Southmuir Team 3

Best Theme: Apprentice Level – Cortachy Team 1. Engineer level – Glamis Team 2.

Best Communicator: Apprentice Level – Southmuir Team 2. Engineer Level – Cortachy.

Picture: Paul Reid. A test drive for Cortachy Primary pupils Patrick Highland and Grace Simmonds.