Young scientists from schools across Lancashire converge on Lancaster University for STEM challenge

More than 130 Year Nine pupils from 11 high schools took part in Lancaster University's annual STEM Challenge Day.

The event saw teams of young people take part in a series of science, technology, engineering and maths challenges, competing on behalf of their school.

A popular annual event, it aims to raise aspirations and inspire young people to look beyond the national

curriculum.

The day also gives the school pupils an early opportunity to visit a UK top-10 university, take part in inspirational activities lead by researchers and meet with current undergraduate students.

Researchers at the university spent many weeks designing fun and exciting challenges in their subject areas, which ranged from creating musical instruments from computers and fruit to taking part in a mathematics treasure hunt around the campus.

Professor Jim Wild, Associate dean for undergraduate teaching in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Lancaster, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to welcome the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, engineers and technology experts to Lancaster University.

“The world is going to need their skills to address challenges such as climate change, food security and clean energy, and we are privileged to be able to enthuse and excite talented students from schools across the region.”

The schools took part in four different challenges, but the best overall performance was by Ripley St Thomas CE Academy, who won book vouchers.

Among other schools taking part were Preston's Ashton Community Science College, Central Lancaster and Lancaster Girls’ Grammar and Carnforth High School.