PRIMARY schools In the Derry City and Strabane District Council area have been invited to design a recycled wood installation for their school garden or playground as part of an initiative by council to develop children’s interests and make them more aware of the opportunities available in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
Schools will be given the opportunity to choose a category to base their design that incorporates elements of STEM following the launch of the wood recycling project, funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, on Wednesday 7th December.
Each design is to take the form of either an art installation, garden furniture, a nature support feature or a play piece.
Once the installations are designed the school children will then be in with a chance to have it commissioned by the 4RS Recycling Workshop based in Pennyburn Industrial Estate and later installed in their school.
Yvonne Lecky, Waste Management at Derry City and Strabane District Council said, ‘STEM skills are needed in millions of jobs throughout the world with the current demand far outstripping the supply.
Industry, both locally and nationally, is crying out for STEM skills. In today’s UK workforce 72 per cent of businesses rely on people with these skills and that figure is expected to grow.
“Council’s Science and Innovation Programme aims to encourage STEM based activities and innovation.
“By engaging with children and young people in these type of competitions we aspire to enthuse, develop awareness and support their educators and business people in developing a positive environments for STEM to grow with the view of building on our future economic growth.
“The judges of the competition have said they are looking for a four page story board to include an overview of the project describing the concept, how research was carried out and details on the final design through artwork.
“The judging panel will award a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize.
“The winning schools will be given the opportunity to bring pupils along to a Recycling Workshop facilitated by 4RS Recycling Centre whilst the installation is being created.
‘‘The competition is open to all primary schools throughout the council area and is part of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Science and Innovation Programme for 2015/16.
“Information packs on how to take part have been sent to schools this week and we look forward to seeing the creative and useful designs produced by the students.’’
The competition closes on Friday 24th February 2017 at 12 noon with the winner expected to be announced on Friday 3rd March 2017.
For further information contact Yvonne Lecky, Waste Management Administrator at Derry City and Strabane District Council on 028 7125 3253.
Or email her [email protected].
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