Derby Schools Competition 2015

The STEM Engine“Moving Derby Forward”

The brief“Using Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths (STEM) identify and improve an

aspect of transportation within Derby City” (Can be aimed at any of the transportation manufacturing industries in and around Derby, including

supply chain companies).

Some Examples: Improve the ergonomic design

and layout of a vehicle interior. Redesign the interior of a train

carriage to improve disabled access and movement.

Design cabin layout to increase passenger comfort, maintaining capacity in aircraft.

Additional Information: Ensure a problem or gap in knowledge is identified for which a realistic solution can be proposed. The scope of the competition is deliberately wide to promote variation and encourage ingenuity and initiative. Explore imaginative solutions before whittling them down to fit within real-world restrictions such as practicality and budget.

Competition RulesEach school to choose one team of no more than six year 8 pupils with at least 50% female participants

Project entries must be based around existing manufacturing or STEM industries in the Derby area.

Entries to be presented for judging at the Big Bang Fair East Midlands on the 30th June 2015.

One half-day session is allocated with a mentor from a local company for planning and support.

There is no limit on further time pupils use to refine and prepare project entries.

Mentors will be allowed to guide and steer the group in their decision making but not implement ideas or solutions of their own.

Mentors can accompany their school to the Big Bang East Midlands to provide presentation coaching.

All project entries must be displayed in Poster format only, no models or other media will be accepted.

Competition RegulationsDisplay Format

1. All projects must be in poster format: no models or other media will be allowed

2. Drawings, titles, pictures etc. are acceptable

3. All posters/pictures/titles must fit into the standard Poster Display Backboards as shown to the right.

4. The layout and content is up to the participants but must fit in the specified space

5. Table top space is only for the project entry judges information which will be in location when participants arrive.

3 ft/92cm

1 ft/31cm

2 ft/61cm

Table top: Project entry details only

Competition DayCompetition & Judging

1. All competitors must arrive and be set up by 9.30am at the latest

2. All competitors will find a table allocated to their project in the Derby Competition area of the Roundhouse

3. Judging will take place between 10am-12pm

4. A judging ‘window’ will be given to your team on the day, during which you must all be with your project for judging

Big Bang Show & Prize Giving• Participants are encouraged to access

the rest of the Big Bang fair in the time outside the judging window

• Visitors will be viewing projects all through the day so it is advised that your stand is always ‘manned’ by someone in the team in case of visitor interest/questions

• Prize giving ceremony will take place 3pm at the end of the day after the last show in the theatre is concluded.