Pupils take part in South Yorkshire Engineering Celebration 2009

200 pupils from schools across South Yorkshire will meet at Kelham Island Museum on 9th July 09 for the annual ‘South Yorkshire Celebration of Engineering Event’.

The event, sponsored by NAMTEC and Yorkshire Forward, aims to stimulate interest in engineering and technology by encouraging young people in primary and secondary education to get hands-on with the practical application of a broad range of projects.

Dr Richard Walton, the event organiser, from the Centre for Science Education at Sheffield Hallam University said

“Getting pupils involved in engineering from a more practical and hands-on point of view helps them to understand what an exciting world can be opened up through innovation.

“These types of engineering projects, many of which are in partnership with South Yorkshire businesses, give pupils a clear understanding about how taking science at school can lead on to a varied and interesting career. The number of pupils getting involved is an optimistic sign, showing confidence in the future of the engineering industry.”

The event will host the finals for a number of school competitions including the county final for the Junior Young Engineer for Britain Competitions, which will brings together pupils from Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley to compete in the K’nex challenge. Winners of the South Yorkshire competition will go forward to the Young Engineers Regional final which takes place at the Leeds Armouries in Leeds next month.

The work carried out for the ninth Sheffield and Rotherham CAD/CAM event will be presented by pupils who will give a 5-10 minute presentation on their CAD/CAM project to a panel of judges to explain the design work that went into producing their final product.

The winner of the first ever Master Cutler’s ‘Made in Sheffield’ Innovation Challenge will also be announced at the event –  this competition, aimed at students from secondary schools in Sheffield and Rotherham, saw pupils team up with local businesses including Durham Duplex, Gripple and Macalloy to work on real-life innovation challenges.

Throughout the entire event, students will present over 40 projects, which will have the chance to win prizes in different competitions and initiatives. The categories range from primary, through to 12-16 year olds and 16-19 year olds.

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