Big Bang North Wales, organised by the EESW, was held at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. As in previous years the North Wales Area supported the event with assessors as well as manning our stand. This year we had a total of 9 members attending the event in various capacities.
In addition to 6th form project assessments, the event allowed younger children to visit and take part in the F1 for schools competition (light ‘2D’ version) as well as other interactive engagement with the various companies and professional bodies attending.
The ICE attended with the Bridge for schools. IET had the torch making activities.
Project Assessment
The main focus of the day was to allow the EESW 6th form projects to be assessed against a written report and oral presentation of work carried out with sponsoring companies.
There were 24 schools/colleges competing for the various awards. As in previous years we supported the ‘Best Use of Mechanical Engineering Principles’. The full list of winning teams and the awards are attached. The standard was high again this year with sponsoring companies ranging from Toyota and Airbus to Glanbia a cheese making factory on Anglesey.
Winner of the IMechE award was Coleg Meirion Dwyfor, Dolgellau for their work designing an interactive display to engage with students and demonstrating robotics and hydraulic systems. Mark Wakem and Rob Bell carried out the assessment on behalf of the Institution. The intent was that Sarah Black our NWA chairman would present the award comprising a gyroscope and a cheque. Disappointingly the team had to leave early due to travel issues and the award will now be made directly by EESW.
IMechE Stand
Ian Binning and Sarah manned the stand in the main hall throughout the day. Ian had obtained two Dyson’s Engineering packs. These packs included all the tools necessary to dismantle and rebuild various parts of a Dyson vacuum cleaner. These proved to be very popular with the children and was an engaging way of enticing children to visit the stand and start discussions about engineering.
We also had a working Stirling heat engine and the Lego Rubic cube solver.
The opportunity was taken to engage with several teachers and contact details exchanged to hopefully develop future opportunities to run events in schools.
As previously, the event proved to be a rewarding experience for the members who were involved. Thanks to all who took part.