![STEM Success]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1650542398/canfordcom/abue3asjkpqq4ghoa5xp/CanfordwinningentryZoeandClementine.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1650542398/canfordcom/abue3asjkpqq4ghoa5xp/CanfordwinningentryZoeandClementine.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1650542398/canfordcom/abue3asjkpqq4ghoa5xp/CanfordwinningentryZoeandClementine.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1650542398/canfordcom/abue3asjkpqq4ghoa5xp/CanfordwinningentryZoeandClementine.jpg","width":932}])
One of the main aims of Soroptimist International is to “advance women’s potential”. The STEM Challenge competition, now in its 9th year, looks to show girls their potential in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical subjects. The task each team must solve is to find a solution to a problem experienced by people living in some of the poorest parts of the world.
This year’s competition was launched in October 2021, with the final taking place at Bournemouth University on 24th March. Entrants had to demonstrate a prototype of their idea and answer questions from a panel of judges during the evening. The judges came from various industries around the BCP council area, as well as Bournemouth University itself.
It was fantastic to see the two Canford teams take both winner and runners up team prizes for the Year 9 category. Many congratulations to Shells Zoe and Clementine for their winning idea of a watering system for replanting areas of the Amazon rainforest and to runners-up Gigi, Izzy and Felicity who presented a simple hydraulic system designed to raise shacks above monsoon flooding in Bangladesh.
Many thanks to Physics teacher Mrs Thornburrow for supporting the pupils in their entries and to all involved in making this such an excellent academic competition promoting STEM among young women.