PRIMARY and secondary schools students are being invited to express their creativity by taking part in the two new Eco Tech Challenges.
The competitions are part of the 2017 3M Young Innovators Challenge which aims to inspire the next generation of original thinkers.
There are two separate Eco Tech Challenges this year - one for primary schools and another for secondary pupils.
The primary school competition tasks children with constructing a functioning musical instrument made entirely from recycled materials and will be judged by Judith Payne from the Leicestershire Education Business Company and 3M Manufacturing Technology Group Leader Aisling Bradley.
The secondary school challenge involves designing and constructing a functioning item of furniture for a child using only recycled or sustainable materials.
This will also be judged by Judith Payne alongside new judge Corinne Walkley who has worked as a Design and Technology teacher, a Principal Moderator for an exam company and a freelance graphic designer.
Corinne Walkley said: “The Eco Tech Challenge for secondary schools is a fantastic opportunity for students to really express their creativity whilst considering the needs of the user and the environmental implications of their design.
“To design an item of furniture for a child that is made from recycled or sustainable materials will require them to think critically, problem solve and demonstrate innovation.
“There are great opportunities for collaborative STEM working (and teaching) and opportunities for each student to demonstrate their skills and imagination in the research, design, model and prototyping of their product.
“I’m really looking forward to judging day and seeing their creative designs become reality, and who knows...there maybe a future designer or engineer in the competition!”
Entries into both competitions will be eligible for a CREST Award.
The awards scheme is the British Science Association’s flagship programme for young people, providing science enrichment activities to inspire and engage 5-to-19-year olds.
It is the only nationally recognised accreditation scheme for project work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
The closing date for entries into both Eco Tech Challenges is Friday, March 31.
To find out more about the Young Innovators Challenge visit: 3m.co.uk/younginnovatorsinnovators