Bright idea for safer cycling

Pupils from Carrickfergus Grammar School engineered the dome-shaped alarm at the Institution of Engineering and Technology Faraday Event at Queen’s University Belfast.

The year 9 team was selected due to their skills in the STEM subjects: Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Designed to encourage pupils to consider a career within the engineering and technology sectors, the event gives participants the opportunity to research, design and make solutions to tough problems.

In a statement, the school explained: “The key task of the event was to design a beacon to aid cyclists on their journeys. This encouraged pupils not only to apply their knowledge and understanding of the STEM subjects, but also allowed pupils the opportunity to develop a range of key skills including teamwork, communication, problem solving, time management and money management.

“The group decided to create an alarm to warn cyclists of impending danger, roadworks or traffic. A domed design was agreed, with holes along the sides for light and sound to come out of.

“The group was then able to create the product using 3D printers, computer design software and various components to make a circuit with, but this had to be done within a budget.”

To complete the challenge the young people had to make a presentation to the rest of the competitors and the judging panel about their product.