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 Caoimhe Archibald 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.”
Sarah Jones, 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.
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