Midlothian school pupils have been engineering the future!

Budding young engineers have taken part in the first Midlothian Schools Engineering Design Competition called “The Rescuers”.

Seven schools in the Newbattle cluster in Midlothian competed to design and create a machine or vehicle with the design premise that it must help/rescue people. Each school submitted entries from their participating classes which then went on display at an exhibition at the National Mining Museum Scotland for visitors and schools to enjoy.

The aim of the Competition was to ignite a passion for learning about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in pupils. Throughout the competition, pupils had opportunities to learn all about the engineering design process, engineering habits of mind and they were challenged to think about materials, mechanisms, and their properties.

The pupils were inspired by rescue machinery from the National Mining Museum Scotland’s ‘Recognised Collection’ as well as vehicles from Scotland’s rescue services. To further their learning, pupils carried out various scientific experiments, including using new Vex Go robotics kits donated to the schools as part of the competition’s funding.

Donna Hanley, Primary STEM Development Officer with RAiSE and Midlothian Council said: “The Rescuers Engineering Design competition provided an opportunity to raise aspirations in STEM education and build capacity to deliver STEM learning and help to close equity gaps in participation and attainment in STEM. The teachers and pupils who participated, all did so with enthusiasm throughout the challenge which resulted in high quality entries with many innovative ideas.  The pupils have developed science and technology skills, as well as skills for learning, life and work by participating in the challenge and these skills shave been tracked using a ‘Skills Passport’.  It is the hope that when these pupils transition to high school this year, they will be inspired to study a STEM subject beyond the Broad General Education which will help to address not only an engineer shortage but also an emerging skills gap in digital and environmental sustainability.”

The project was funded by the Engineering Education Grant Scheme, which provides support for UK-based education projects that increase engineering knowledge in young people. Colin Brown, CEO at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said “The Rescuers Competition is a fantastic example of the kind of projects the EEGS scheme aims to promote. The UK is facing a critical engineering skills shortage and showing young people how creative and exciting engineering can be is a key way of inspiring the engineers of tomorrow.”

All of the entries were judged by a panel of engineers, educators and museum staff and the Awards Ceremony for the competition took place on Friday 12^th May at the National Mining Museum.  The level of ingenuity shown by pupils made it a tricky job for the judges but they were pleased to award 1^st place to Megan-Beth, Erin, Cara, Caitlin and Karris from Mayfield PS for their design of JASP (Jungle, Animal, Safety, protection]. The winning team’s design stood out for its exceptional creativity with many engineering and science concepts included in the design.

There were two runners up prizes awarded to Olivia, Erin, Sophie and Lucie from Stobhill PS for their design of MUEV (Multi Use Rescue Vehicle) and May, Jai, Rebecca, Kai and Jodie from Newtongrange PS for their design of YFFV1.

Congratulations to all participating pupils and thanks to funders IET and IMECH for making this project possible.