19 May 2017
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On Tuesday 16th May, a team of four students represented Walton-le-Dale High School at the Year 10 STEM Challenge Day hosted by Westholme Senior School in Blackburn. Teams from 22 schools across Lancashire competed in activities that tested their understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Our plucky team had a slow start, ranking 21st in the Chemistry activity identifying organic compounds and using molymods, but they climbed to 19th place in the non-calculator Maths challenge. The Biology activities of food tests, calculating magnifications and identifying cells & organs saw our team improve to 11th place.
Our team then really found their stride, earning 4th place in the Technology task of building an Archimedes’ Screw in order to move rice crispies up an incline. The Physics activity of building a bridge using nothing than wooden blocks was where they really shined, achieving 1st place and surpassing teams from schools like Kirkham Grammar, QEGS, Parklands Academy, Lancaster Girls Grammar and Canon Slade School.
Overall, our team ranked 12th out of the 22 schools that took part. All students really enjoyed the experience and we would like to thank Westholme Senior School for inviting us to take part. Congratulations to Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy who were the overall STEM Challenge champions; we look forward to a rematch in the future!
STEM Challenge May 2017
