We were delighted to announce the winners of the first forestry and aquaculture themed STEM competitions for primary and secondary schools.

Run in conjunction with STEM (science technology engineering and mathematics) Ambassadors in Scotland, there were great prizes on offer for both the winning entries from pupils and for the schools of the overall winners in each competition.

For the Aquaculture in Scotland Challenge, Secondary pupils were asked what aquaculture means to Scotland, and in first place was Chloe from Buchanan High School, Coatbridge. Chloe put together a project related to her Young STEM Leader role, working with younger classes on the Clyde River Foundation’s Clyde in the Classroom project, and included an interview with the Head of Operations at Scottish Sea Farms. As well as Chloe receiving her individual prize of £50 Amazon gift card, Buchanan High School have also won a prize of £250 worth of STEM or educational kits for the school. You can read the interview here.

In the Chief Forester’s Challenge, Primary school pupils were asked to design their own treehouse, but it had to be made of timber, filled with lots of fantastic ideas, and in the right location. In first place was Susie from Blackfriars Primary School, Glasgow. The judges were impressed by the level of detail in Susie’s entry as she looked at the environmental impacts of construction materials, choosing timber such as oak and larch, and sheep wool for insultation. As well as Susie receiving her individual prize of a £50 Amazon gift card, Blackfriars Primary have also won a prize of £250 worth of STEM or educational kit.