British Science Week poster competition:
Secondary special competition category (also open to interested primary pupils aged 8-11). The scientists from UCL need your help!
Can you help them by coming up with a new idea or invention to improve the health of the air in our buildings? This year, our special category is open to young people aged 11-14, 14-16 and 16-19, as well as older primary aged children, aged 8-11, who are interested!
Choose an indoor public space where you often spend time – this could be an area where you learn, or a place you visit regularly like a library, café or cinema. Do you think the air in this space is healthy and clean? Why? Come up with an idea or invention to change the air in your chosen space, making it healthier to breathe. How will it work? Could it be used in other public places too?
You might have a brand-new idea, or you might come up with something that already exists but re-imagined in a unique or creative way. The researchers at UCL have considered lots of different ideas for improving air quality and preventing the spread of viruses in hospitals. For example, you could think about face masks, curtains and screens, ventilation, fans or air filters.
Then think carefully about how you will lay out and present your idea. You should consider how best to communicate your research so that it is clear and logical. You could create a set of instructions, a detailed diagram or you might like to develop an eye-catching poster!
Entries must be A4 or A3 in size and you’ll need to be able to take a photograph of your work so it can be sent to us online for judging.
How will the posters be judged?
We wish that everyone could be a winner, but we only have a limited number of prizes. So, here’s the lowdown on what the judges will be looking for:
• Creativity in approach – You might have a brand-new idea, or you might come up with something that already exists but re-imagined in a unique or creative way.
• Scientific content – Your ideas should be clear, accurate and in line with your level of learning.
• Research content – You might carry out some research first, to inform your thinking, and this should be reflected in your entry.
• Viability – Could your idea work? Can you explain how? Show or explain how it would it change the air in your chosen space and make it healthier!
• Presentation and effective communication – Aim to present your idea in a way that is clear, logical and easy to understand. Think about the way you set out your ideas and the use of text and images. You could create a poster, a set of instructions or a diagram – think about the best way to showcase your thinking!
Researchers from the team at UCL, alongside members of the British Science Association, will shortlist entries, and a panel of judges will select a winner in each age category. Two runners up in each age category will be uploaded to our Facebook page and the public will decide on a ‘popular vote’ winner.
What are the prizes?!
We have an exciting array of prizes available for the winners of our special competition category this year. Watch this space for more details!
Prizes may vary by age category and by availability and we reserve the right to make changes to the prizes. Any prize awarded will be split across the team should a poster be submitted by a team.
The closing date for entries is at 6pm on
Thursday 3 April 2025.
Please see Miss Brady in Science if you are interested in entering. We are allowed up to 5 entries. Ideally posters to me by the 2nd April.