TechFest in September
 

Press Release Details

CHILDREN VOTE SIR ALEXANDER FLEMING THE GREATEST SCOT

 

RothienormanSchool wins video challenge

Sir Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin, has been named the Greatest Scot in Science and Engineering by school pupils.

Youngsters across the North-east were invited to nominate their favourite scientists, inventors and mathematicians as part of a challenge to find the Greatest Scot in Science and Engineering.

The Greatest Scot competition was organised by TechFest-SetPoint as part of TechFest In September, Aberdeen's annual festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), which starts this Friday.

The two-week TechFest In September festival is once again being supported by joint principal funders Shell and BP, demonstrating their investment in a STEM-literate nation and commitment to the future development of the global oil and gas industry.

Schools were asked to come up with possible candidates for the title and then present their final decision on a video clip lasting up to three minutes, which was then judged on factual content, persuasive ability and artistic flair.

The challenge was won by P6 pupils at Rothienorman School, who decided that Sir Alexander deserved to be crowed the top Scot.

The children created a short film which depicts penicillin as a "superhero", treating patients and wounded soldiers and fighting off bad bacteria, concluding that without Sir Alexander's discovery "we would all be coughing, spluttering and dying".

The runners-up were pupils from St Joseph's RC School in Aberdeen, whose video took inspiration from TV shows The Apprentice, Dragon's Den and "Scotland's Got Talent" to showcase famous Scots including Alexander Graham Bell, John Logie Baird and James Watt, who invented the steam engine.

The winning class from Rothienorman School, who are now in P7, will enjoy a day trip to Cineworld cinema in Aberdeen to see a movie of their choice.

The runners up from St Joseph's will have the chance to attend a TechFest-SetPoint workshop.

Colin McFadyen, STEM/TechFest Co-ordinator, said: "This was a great chance for primary school pupils to look at the influences Scottish people have had on so many aspects of everyday life, such as John Logie Baird, Alexander Graham Bell and of course Alexander Fleming, who emerged as the winner.

"It also allowed them to embrace new technology by making a short presentation on video, and the standard was very high so Rothienorman and St Joseph's schools are worthy winners and runners-up.

"We're grateful to the education departments at Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils, who supported the challenge and encouraged schools to get involved."

He added: "The Greatest Scot challenge is a great way to highlight this year's TechFest In September programme, which is shaping up to be another brilliant festival with lots of exciting events for youngsters and families across the area."

TechFest In September is now in its 16th year of engaging young people in the four main STEM subjects and encouraging them to go on to follow a career which utilises these skills, as well as instilling the relevance of STEM in adult life.

With more events, workshops and shows than ever, this year's TechFest is set to attract a record 20,000 visitors between September 11 and 28.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of TechFest-SetPoint by The BIG Partnership.  For more information please contact Shona Hendry on 01224 615003 or 07739 314158 or Dave Macdermid on 01224 650406 or 07710 580148.

Photos can be arranged with pupils at RothienormanSchool.

NOTES TO EDITORS

  • TechFest-SetPoint is a registered charity based at the University of Aberdeen.
  • Through a programme of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities - of which TechFest In September is the main event – the aim is to engage, challenge, inform and inspire young people and encourage them to choose a career which utilises these skills.
  • TechFest 2009 starts on the last weekend of Offshore Europe and runs from September 11 to 28.
  • The festival is being supported by joint principal funders BP and Shell, with additional funding from EventScotland, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils, the Scottish Government and the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

 27th Aug 2009

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