Clock ticking for challenge entries

WITH the deadline approaching, schools are being urged to get their entries submitted for the 2017 Young Innovators Challenge.

The competition, which is sponsored by sciencebased technology company 3M and supported by the Loughborough Echo and the Loughborough Learning Alliance, aims to inspire the next generation of original thinkers.

Through six challenges linked to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) curriculum, the hope is to show primary and secondary schoolchildren that studying STEM subjects can lead to rewarding and fulfilling future careers.

Schools across the area have already signed up to compete for the first time, including Hall Orchard C of E Primary School in Barrow-upon-Soar, Hathern C of E Primary School, Ibstock Junior School and New Swannington Primary School.

And schools which have taken part before and enjoyed it so much that they are coming back for more include Grace Dieu Manor School, Brookvale High School in Groby and Woodcote Primary School in Ashby.

While the closing date for the Science Detectives Challenge has already passed, there is still time for schools to enter the other challenges: Canyon Crossing, Eco Tech, Super Food and Tower Tech.

The last date that entries can be received is Friday, March 31, but don’t panic if you are only just discovering the competition.

The work does not have to be completed until judging takes place in May so there is still plenty of time to take part.

Entries will also be submitted for a British Science Association CREST Discovery Award.

Following the judging process in May, finalists will be invited to a presentation evening at Loughborough College on June 23 with guest of honour Nicky Morgan, Member of Parliament for Loughborough.

For more information on the 2017 Young Innovators Challenge, please visit 3m. co. uk/ younginnovators