BP has announced the winners of its Ultimate STEM Challenge 2019.
The challenge invites students aged 11–14 to develop a solution to a real-world problem using STEM skills.
Freya Gillard and Sophia Rochfort from Blundell’s School in Devon took the top spot, with their measuring device for coffee machines that measures any size of cup, cutting down on plastic pollution and one-use cups. The girls were praised by the judges for their innovative scientific thinking, excellent presentation skills and passion for technology and engineering.
The best part of our experience was designing and building the prototype, it was a lot of fun.
– Freya Gillard, winning team member
Freya said: “The best part of our experience was designing and building the prototype, it was a lot of fun. We also loved presenting and meeting all the other finalists.”
The team won £1,000 to spend on science equipment or field trips, as well as prizes from the Science Museum.
Students from Bredon Hill Academy and Walton Priory Middle School won ‘highly commended’ awards, and Colyton Grammar School took the ‘best stand’ title.
Eleven teams took part in the finals as part of the Ultimate STEM Challenge Science Fair.
All winning teams won Science Museum prizes, and a bronze Crest award.