Model pupil David’s pedal power triumph
A Buchylvie Primary School pupil will speak at the Royal Highland Show after winning a national science competition.
Twleve-year-old David Adam from Kippen was chosen as the winning entry of the STEAM Food and Pedal Power Design Competition for his model cow feeder wagon.
Youngsters in schools across Scotland were tasked with designing a food production machine that generates energy entirely through pedalling.
Royal Highland Educational Trust, in collaboration with human energy company Peachy Keen, offered pupils the chance to design the device, with the winning entry built and launched at the Royal Highland Show.
David’s invention will be in action at this month’s show, which runs from June 20 to June 23.
His model, which demonstrates mixing silage in order to produce cow feed, is powered entirely by kinetic energy and does not require any mains electrical power sources.
The youngster, who has dyslexia, will give a five-minute presentation at the show and explain how he came up with the idea for his invention, and how the pedal-powered machine works.
Mum Sheena said that she “could not believe it” when she found out that her son had won the competition. She explained: “When David told us about entering the competition, we weren’t too sure.”
However, at a parent-teacher meeting a few weeks later, Sheena got to see David’s design for the first time.
“His teacher brought in this model he’s made and I was absolutely blown away that he had completely thought through how this thing works,” Sheena added.
“We’re delighted for him. He’s struggled with his dyslexia, as being dyslexic means that you’re a bit more of a lateral thinker. So I couldn’t believe it when they said he had won. What an achievement.”
David added: “My idea was to create a feeder wagon that can be powered without big powerful machinery. I am happy with the way it came out and look forward to seeing a working model at the Highland Show.”