FUTURE SCIENTISTS CELEBRATED IN INNOVATION CHALLENGE

The Star Innovators Challenge laid down the gauntlet to the scientists of the future by tasking them to find solutions to real-world science conundrums.

As part of Star schools’ activities to mark British Science Week, pupils were challenged to enter a series of science tasks to broaden their knowledge and ignite their passion for our Earth. With separate challenges in each of the phases of primary and secondary education, pupils took part in the contest which was centred around British Science Week’s theme of ‘connections’.

In the Reception and Key Stage 1 category, pupils were tasked with carrying out an action that can make a big difference in the Earth Calling challenge, while key stage 2 pupils investigated and planned actions to overcome environmental challenges facing the UK in the Country Calling challenge.

For secondary school pupils, their challenge was to research a topic and devise an idea or project that will make a significant improvement to the environmental challenges facing their local community and then plan actions and steps required to have a positive impact.

After pupils across Star primary and secondary schools spent weeks investigating, experimenting and setting out their solutions, the competition winners were revealed.

Nicky Crum, Science Improvement Lead at Star Academies, said: “Once again, our talented pupils wowed the judges with their incredible subject knowledge, attention to detail and the creative solutions they proposed to a broad range of environmental challenges plaguing their local communities and issues affecting the entire country.

“It is inspiring to see so many of our pupils expressing their passion both for science and our earth, using their own time to develop their ideas and creations to enter the challenge. Thank you to our staff and parents for their support and encouragement. I’m excited to see what the future holds for our budding scientists!”

PRIMARY - KS1

1st: Muhammad Moiz Khan, The Olive School, Bolton

2nd: Muhammad Khan, The Olive School, Blackburn

3rd: Inaaya Ahmed, Thornbury Primary Leadership Academy

SECONDARY - KS3

1st: Safiyah Daya, Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest

2nd: Safa Omar, Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham

3rd: Unaiza Raza, Eden Girls’ School, Coventry