Competition wants young inventors and engineers

Nov 14 2008 by Kenneth Speirs, Paisley Daily Express

A FINAL call has gone out to budding young engineers to invent exciting new products in a competition from the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Faraday programme.

Faraday is a unique resource for teachers of science, design and technology, engineering and maths.

The competition calls for inventors to develop a new product using an intelligent material called d3o.

And the company which produces d3o operates at the cutting edge of materials development and application.

Jan Stapleton, the IET’s Head of Education 5 to 19, said: “Faraday is an innovative learning project targeted at secondary-age students with an annually changing theme that illustrates what it is like to work on the latest products and technologies.

“Through Faraday we are aiming to challenge young people’s perceptions, helping them to see science, technology, engineering and mathematics as exciting, attractive and accessible.

“This year’s theme is about the engineers, scientists and technologists making a difference in the sporting world.

“In this competition we are challenging young people to think of a product which could use the properties of d3o, transforming it into a world beating new concept. We are looking for clearly presented, inspirational ideas that will target specific user groups and will be supported by evidence, either in paper or electronic format, showing why their product could be the best around.”

The competition comprises two categories: open, which is open for anyone to enter, and the schools category, which is aimed specifically at 11 to 13-year-olds.

The winner of the open category will receive £500 towards sports equipment and a Nintendo Wii and games pack.

The winner of the schools category will receive £500 towards science, design and technology and maths equipment and a Nintendo Wii and games pack. Two runners up from each category will also win a Nintendo Wii and games pack.

The deadline for entries is Friday, December 5. For more information, visit www.theiet.org/faraday