The annual Primary Science and Technology challenge was held during Science week, 24-28 March 2003. The competition is organised by the five education and library boards in conjunction with Sentinus. As usual, the competition was well supported by SELB schools, with 64 schools entering teams. Five finalists are chosen from each Board to participate in the final of the challenge which is held in Belfast in June.

The theme this year was flight, in keeping with the centenary of the first flight. Teams of three primary seven pupils were given an unseen task to design and make in one hour. The task this year was:

Design and make a glider to travel as far as possible

The competition was held in four local schools whose hospitality and generosity we are indebted to. I would like to thank the schools, Principals and staff for their co-operation and support during the Challenge:

At the end of four days of the competition, the five schools who qualified to the final were:

• Moneymore Primary School
• St Joseph’s Convent Primary Newry
• Howard Primary Dungannon
• St Patrick’s Primary Armagh
• Churchill Primary Caledon.

Congratulations to each school on doing so well out of such a large number of entries.
The final was held on Friday 13th June at W5 in Belfast. All five schools represented SELB very well. The Challenge was:

Design and make a glider to travel the furthest distance along a wire.

The team from St Patrick’s Primary School Armagh had tough decisions to make before they even came to Belfast – the Challenge date coincided with their end of term P7 trip to Lisburn Omniplex! They chose to come to the Challenge but were further disappointed when one of their three team members could not make the final on the day.
Imagine their delight when they were named runners up in the competition! We were all delighted and very proud.

Well-done St Patrick’s!

If you want to chat about it, give me a ring anytime. It doesn't matter if you feel that your Technology skills aren't particularly well developed.

The heats for the Challenge 2004 will be held during the week of 12-17 March.

Keep an eye out for further details.