On Friday 14 March, Lancaster Rotary Club was the lead organiser for the Lancaster area Rotary BAE Systems Technology Tournament that took places at Lancaster Boys and Girls School on Dallas Road. Twenty- two teams took part from local schools competing at either Foundation, Intermediate or Advanced level.
The task for all 3 groups was to design and construct a gripping device using the materials supplied that was operated by mechanism such as a trigger or lever.
The device was to be used by one team member to safely remove a "radioactive meteorite" (represented by a tennis ball) contained in a plastic box with an front opening that varied in width according to the group level from a distance of 1.5m.
There was a time limit of 30 seconds to remove the object from the box and then place it on the designated target aea.
The competition commenced at 9.30 and the teams were required to consider two solutions and justify the final choice of solution. Each team had to produce a portfolio detailing the design analysis and construction of the device together with the team management. Marks were awarded for the portfolio, use of materials, quality, accuracy of construction and completion of the task within the allotted time.
All team members received a certificate of attendance and trophies were awarded to each winning team by the Mayor of Lancaster, Coun June Ashworth.
Carnforth High School entered three teams (two at Foundation level and one at Intermediate level), but regrettably none of the teams were in the top three places. Carnforth Rotary Club were privileged to provide the majority of the judges. The winning teams were: Advanced - Lancaster Girls Grammar School; Intermediate - St Aidans School and Foundation - Morecambe High School.
