Students from Queen Elizabeth II High School made history after winning the prestigious Society of Biology Prize in the National Science and Engineering Competition. The girls’ ‘Grow your Own Clothes’ project was one of 215 projects in the finals at the Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair.
Students Emma Howard, Annabell Jose, Grace Harrop and Millie Barrow became finalists for the national competition after becoming North West Young Engineers 2013 at the Big Bang North West Fair. The aim of the competition is to recognise and reward young people’s achievements in all areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and by doing so, encourage others to engage with STEM and consider STEM-related career paths.
Unfortunately, after winning the title the girls were told:
'QEII High School’s entry is the first one we have ever had from the Isle of Man and this has raised some issues regarding our rules. The delivery partners of The Big Bang North West heats were not aware that the Isle of Man is a crown dependency. As the competition’s main funder is the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), we have been working with them to find a resolution to this issue. As I’m sure you’ll understand BIS are unable to support non-UK residents. We would still like your team to attend the National Finals, however, your team willnotbe eligible for the core prizes provided by BIS, but will be eligible for any sponsor prizes that may be suitable for their discipline.'
The girls’ project was eligible for the Society of Biology Prize which was one of the nine sponsored prizes. They won the award and will receive £500 and an ‘experience prize’ which is yet to be confirmed.
Emma said,
'Winning the Society of Biology Prize was really unexpected. We were completely shocked when they called our names. We felt very honoured to gain such a prestigious award as we were up against some amazing projects.'
Grace added:
'It has been an amazing experience. It was so inspirational hearing about all of the finalist’s projects, everyone had put in so much effort and it really showed.'
Annabell continued:
'Over the two days, hundreds of people must have stopped at our stall to look and talk to us about our project. Many of the students wanted to touch our bacteria grown clothes and our Kombucha material.'
Teacher, Lesley Sleight, said:
'Ellie Taylor, presenter of the BBC Three programme, ‘Snog, Marry, Avoid?’ also visited the girls and did a funny sketch to camera with them. She demanded wipes for her hands after touching the clothing and then shrieked when presented with the bacteria.'
The video is on http://www.nsecuk.org/View/?con_id=693
Millie concluded:
'It is a real shame that students from the Island will not have the opportunity to take part in the future. Over 70,000 people attended the fair and it was a great opportunity to showcase our work and meet some of the country’s leading scientists and engineers. Winning a nationally recognised award has opened new opportunities for us, even job offers and apprenticeships. It would be fantastic for students if the Isle of Man Government could run their own little Big Bang Fair.'
