School pupils across Northern Ireland are being challenged to
imagine life in 2050 and develop innovative solutions to the
problems people could face in the future.
The Matrix Future Focus' Schools Challenge, delivered in
partnership with the Northern Ireland Science Festival (NISF) and
Nerve Centre, is now open for registration. Open to Key Stage 2
pupils (Years 5 to 7) and Key Stage 3 pupils (Years 8 to 10), the
challenge asks teams to identify a real-world problem that could
affect people in 2050, develop an innovative solution and present
their idea in a two-minute video.
Economy Minister Dr said: I welcome
this exciting challenge, which will encourage young people to
think creatively about the future and the world they want to see
in 2050.
Developing skills in STEM, innovation and problem-solving can
open up exciting opportunities for young people and will be vital
to our future economy. I look forward to seeing the ideas pupils
develop and how they would use innovation to tackle the
challenges of the future.
Entries will be judged on creativity and innovation,
problem-solving, communication and presentation, and teamwork.
Schools have until Friday 6 November to submit their entries,
with shortlisted finalists invited to a Showcase and Awards Event
at Nerve Centre, Derry~Londonderry, on Thursday 26 November.
Robert Hill, Chair of Matrix NI, said: We're delighted to be
partnering with the NI Science Festival and Nerve Centre on this
initiative. The Matrix NI Future Focus' Schools Challenge gives
young people the chance to think boldly about the future and
develop creative solutions to the challenges we may face.
We can't wait to see the ideas coming through.
, Director of the NI Science
Festival, said: Encouraging young people to engage with STEM
and innovation from an early age is central to everything we do
at NISF. This challenge is a great opportunity for pupils to use
their creativity, explore new ideas and show how science and
innovation can help address the challenges of the future.
Rachel McDermott, Education Manager at Nerve Centre,
said: We're thrilled to be involved in the Matrix Future
Focus' Schools Challenge and to host the Showcase and Awards
Event. This challenge is a wonderful platform for pupils to bring
their ideas to life and build skills they'll use in the workplace
one day.
To find out how to apply, a webinar is planned for 7 October.
Registration at https://nervecentre.org/whats-on/imagine-2050-future-focus-schools-challenge-webinar
For more information, visit the Future Focus
Schools' Challenge website.
