Mid Sussex STEM challenge returns with launch of new project

This years STEM project is The Trebuchet Trajectory Challenge, where teams will design and build a free-standing device capable of launching bean bags.

Launching on Friday November 13, the challenge is designed to test engineering, creativity, teamwork and consistency, while placing a strong emphasis on sustainability and the use of recycled and reused materials.

Teams will be assessed on the performance of their device, the quality of their engineering project, and their ability to explain and justify their design decisions.

Police & Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, will officially launch the challenge alongside Professor Winfried Hensinger.

The professor will provide an update on the remarkable medical advances being achieved through Quantum technology and will be joined by Jim Davison of Make UK, as well as Jacquie Russell, Chairman of WSCC Children & Young People’s Services Committee.

As in previous years, the Challenge is designed to inspire the most talented of our students to realise the huge diversity of careers in our local economy where such highly skilled individuals are in demand.

At the Challenge Event, next July, there’ll be four Awards; Engineering, Project Presentation (donated by Rotary), Race Challenge and Overall Winner.

All types of engineering and medical companies have come together to ensure that students can understand just what a diverse and successful career lies ahead by continuing with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects.

These skills are paramount to the economy of Mid Sussex, where research has shown that engineering accounts for 34% of turnover .

“We’re delighted to welcome Phil Todd and his team at bse3d, who join our team of Flowserve, Thales, PSM Marine Engineering, Adelphi, Nuffield Hospital, Bike Smart, Edwards/Atlas, Balfour Beatty and Rotary, all of whom are as keen as the students themselves", said a spokesperson for Haywards Heath Town Council. “Each of the companies involved will provide STEM Ambassadors to work with every school as well as bring them into the workplace to show the excitement of the ‘real world’ and to put their STEM learning in context.”

Chairman of the Town Team’s STEM Challenge, Flowserve’s Nick Green, said: “The aim is not simply to build the device that launches the furthest. Teams should consider accuracy, repeatability, sustainability, safety and the effectiveness of their overall design; it’s going to be an exciting Challenge for all our students this year!”