Ultimate STEM Challenge 2015 launched to boost scientific engagement

The BP Educational Service (BPES) provides inspiring and engaging resources to support the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. The group brings to life the topics that young people learn in the classroom by providing real-world examples, challenges and information using videos, interactive activities, worksheets and much more. These resources are developed with the help of teachers and educational specialists, and are free for teachers and parents of 4-19 year olds. They are curriculum linked and reflect our focus on energy, environment, leadership and business skills within key curriculum areas.

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BP has launched the second Ultimate STEM Challenge, a competition in partnership with the Science Museum and STEMNET. This year, students aged 11-14 across the UK are being challenged to use their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills to develop energy efficient solutions to real-world challenges. The celebratory final event will take place in March at the Science Museum in London, and all entries must be uploaded on the BP Educational Service (BPES) website by 15th January 2016.

Students will have the chance to compete for prizes, including a cash prize of £500 to spend on science equipment or a field trip. Teams of up to four learners must choose from one of three challenges: Better Buildings, Streamlined Ships or Trim Turbines. The teams will then need to create a short film or presentation showcasing their project. The challenges can be completed at a STEM club, in class or as an independent project.

Teachers will be provided with teaching materials to launch the competition with their STEM club or class. This includes case studies, social media chats with BP scientists and engineers, and support from local STEM Ambassadors (subject to availability).

“It’s been a really cool experience and we’ve learned loads along the way,” said Wells Cathedral Senior School’s Megan Taylor, part of last year’s winning team. “I didn’t realise science could be so much fun and I now want to study it for my GCSEs and A-levels. The day trip to the Science Museum and winning £500 was fantastic! I hope our teachers are proud of us.”

Ian Duffy, community development manager for BP in the UK, said: “We are delighted to be running the Ultimate STEM Challenge again with our partners at STEMNET and the Science Museum. We are learning from our Enterprising Science research programme just how essential it is to give young people the opportunity to see themselves as scientists and engineers of the future through first-hand experience. The Ultimate STEM Challenge is designed to do just that. We hope that all schools will take the opportunity to support their students in taking part this year.”

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The competition has been developed based on insights from the ground-breaking Enterprising Science research that BP is conducting with its partners King’s College London and the Science Museum Group.

Visit www.bp.com/ultimatestemchallenge or contact [email protected] for more information.