Innovative Downshire pupils get award

As part of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) Smart Energy Project, the primary school was given the task of designing a renewable energy technology plan that could help their school reduce its carbon footprint.

With the guidance of their mentor Stuart Kerr, an engineer from Northern Ireland Electricity, the students have built models of a solar water heater, wind turbine and a solar powered desk fan in order to demonstrate the principles behind renewable energies, as well as preparing a presentation for the Young Innovators event.

Speaking at the event Stuart said: “I’m delighted that the pupils received an award that recognises all of their hard work. This event is a great opportunity for the pupils to experience how subjects like Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) can be fulfilling and fun to do. There is a shortage of technical and scientific skills across a range of industries.”

Wendy Millar, class teacher at Downshire Primary School said: “The pupils have had a great time at this year’s Young Innovators exhibition. It has been a brilliant opportunity for them to engage in science and technology and with help from their NIE mentor they have developed a good understanding of renewable technologies.”

The Sentinus Young Innovators exhibition was held at the Odyssey arena on June 19 and is the largest event of its kind in the UK with 2,000 school children attending this year’s show.