The Challenge
The competition has a number of levels; School, Cluster, Area, Regional, National Final. Each level of the competition involves pupils working in teams of two to demonstrate their imagination, creativity and ingenuity by designing and making a model, using K'Nex, which solves a set challenge. The Challenge will usually last 1 to 2 hours. Each level has different fun challenges set by Young Engineers and the judging criteria include categories such as communication, design, problem solving and visual appeal. The overall winning team at each level will be invited to the next level of the competition.

Who can enter?
Working within their Clusters (or learning communities), the competition is open to all Primary 6 pupils, with the support of their local secondary school. Primary schools must liaise with other schools in their cluster and submit one entry per cluster to take part.

How does the Competition work?
Each Primary school will hold a Classroom Challenge for its P6 pupils during the time between January and March 2010. Winning teams from these schools then compete at the Cluster Level Challenge to be held by mid April, usually hosted by the secondary school. The secondary can, if it wishes, provide senior pupils to act as mentors and judges for this event. The winning team from this level then competes at the Area Final in May to represent the Cluster. Winners from each of the Area Finals will compete at the West of Scotland Regional Final and the winners from this will go on to the UK Final to be held in the Imperial War Museum Duxford, near Cambridge on the 11th June 2010.

For those familiar with the competition please note there will be no Scottish Final this year, 1 team from each of the 4 Scottish Regional Finals will go directly through to the UK final.

How do teachers know what to do?
Training material will be available on our website so teachers can download and work through it at their own pace. Please refer to Challenge 2010 Downloads. If they prefer teachers are welcome to organise a session for all the teachers in their cluster to work through the material together. In addition STEM Ambassadors are available to help teachers run and judge challenges.
Please send an email with your details and requirements to: ambassadors@physics.gla.ac.uk if you would like an ambassador to help in your school.
See our webpage for more information on the STEM Ambassador programme.

How does your Cluster apply?
To enter for the competition, all schools (including the secondary) within a cluster must liaise and discuss if they wish to take part. Note that not all schools in the cluster need to participate in order for the cluster to apply, but each school must be consulted to establish if they want to be involved or not. Closing date for applications is Friday 29nd January 2010. .

We will only accept ONE APPLICATION FORM PER CLUSTER
One application form must be submitted on behalf of the cluster in order to take part in the K'Nex Challenge. Each cluster must appoint a nominated person who could be, for example, the EEO officer or local EDO contact. This nominated person will complete and send the booking form on the Cluster's behalf, receive communication about the Challenge as it progresses and be responsible for liaison within the Cluster. Please ensure you communicate within your cluster to find out who will send in the application form.

Download Application Form

If you experience problems liaising with schools in your cluster please contact us and we will try and provide support in getting your cluster together.

More Information?
For more information on the Young Engineer K'Nex Cluster Challenge please contact Glasgow University Science Festival on 0141 330 5370 who will be happy to answer any questions. or email G.Penny@physics.gla.ac.uk

We look forward to you taking part in this year's exciting competition!