Creating Engineers 2023

We were delighted to relaunch Glasgow Science Festival Creating Engineers following a break due to COVID-19. Typically, the competition is open to school clusters across the West of Scotland. In 2023 we ran a smaller scaled competition inviting schools from a smaller cohort of Local Education Authorites council areas to take part with the aim of being back to full capacity for 2024.

The LEA's which took part in 2023 were: North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Dumfries & Galloway and South Ayrshire.

The competition ran in three stages, first was a Classroom Challenge held in each primary school classroom. The winners of this then went on to a Cluster Challenge competing against other classroom winners. Cluster Challenge champions were then invited to the Grand Final to compete for the title of 'Glasgow Science Festival Creating Engineers Champions 2023'.

The final was held on Tuesday 13th June 2023 at Kelvin Hall. 

 

Summary image of the 2023 Creating Engineers competition. Text reads: Creating Engineers 2023 at a glance, 5 local education authorities, 84 primary schools, 22 clusters, 3059 pupils. With thanks to: grand final venue host Kelvin Hall, the volunteer judges, the teachers and pupils. Winners St Clare's primary school.

 

Cartoon image of an aeroplane in the clouds. Plane is attached to a banner that reads: Glasgow Science Festival Creating Engineers

Photograph showing two participants of Creating Engineers 2023 whilst the challenge took place.

The Grand Final

The title of Creating Engineers Champions 2023 was contested by 27 teams. The teams were challenged to build a Fire Engine with the following specifications

  • Have at least 4 wheels
  • Be able to roll freely backwards and forwards
  • Have a cab for the driver and co-driver
  • Have a steering mechanism operated by a steering wheel which will enable the engine to steer left and right whilst moving
  • Be taller than one grey rod but no taller than 3 grey rods. 

We saw a huge range of fantastic models from all pupils but eventually our team of eight judges crowned Debarghya and Matthew from St Clare's Primary, East Renfrewshire the champions and Conor and Makarii from Colvend Primary, Dumfries & Galloway the runners up.

Huge congratulations to all teams who participated, especially our winners and runners up. 

Image of the Glasgow Science Festival logo, above this is a cartoon plane with a banner that says 'Glasgow Science Festival Creating Engineers'. Below the logo is a cartoon robot arm and steam train and a cartoon lady on a pedalow in the air.

Check out the GSF Creating Engineers 2023 highlights video on our YouTube channel

Creating Engineers 2023 Champions

Photograph of the winning team, one is holding the model fire engine they built and the other is holding the Alan Kerr shield trophy.

Creating Engineers 2023 Runners Up & Our Judges

Photograph showing the runners up holding their prizes. Behind them are the eight judges and the Glasgow Science Festival director.