Eggstravaganza Science Challenge
RGS Worcester’s annual Science ‘Eggstravaganza’ brought together pupils from RGS Dodderhill, RGS Springfield, RGS The Grange, and local primary schools for an engaging and educational engineering challenge.
Pupils were tasked with designing and building a bridge capable of suspending a weight, using only basic materials like papercraft straws, paperclips, string, and card. The event, which took place over two days, showcased creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, with Broadheath C of E Primary School taking home first place. Winners were awarded a Sphero robot and ‘Horrible Science’ books, with runners-up receiving notebooks and pens.
Aims
The Eggstravaganza aimed to inspire young pupils in the fields of science and engineering by providing a fun, hands-on challenge that promoted creativity and problem-solving. The event’s goal was to encourage collaboration and critical thinking while strengthening the relationship between RGS Worcester and local primary schools. The key success factors included pupil engagement, successful teamwork, and the ability to design and construct functional structures within a time limit.
Background
The event was part of RGS Worcester's Award-Winning Outreach and Partnership work, with a long-standing tradition of welcoming pupils from RGS schools and local primary schools. The event was designed to give young pupils an early introduction to engineering principles and foster an interest in science. The event has been successfully held for several years, growing each year with increasing participation from local schools.
Resources
The event was hosted at RGS Worcester, utilising the school’s facilities and the expertise of staff. Key resources included papercraft straws, paperclips, string and card for the bridge-building challenge. The event was managed by the Head of Science, Dr Howard Smith, alongside the wider science department staff and student volunteers. The event lasted for two days, with each day running for approximately three hours. There were no financial contributions required from participants, as the event was free of charge.
Impact
The Eggstravaganza encouraged a high level of participation and excitement, with pupils from local primary schools applying creative problem-solving skills in a competitive environment. The winners, Broadheath C of E Primary School, stood out for their innovative crane-like design, while Northwick Manor Primary and Great Witley C of E Primary School impressed judges with their creativity. The event has helped reinforce RGS Worcester’s commitment to inspiring young scientists, and feedback from teachers and students suggests the challenge sparked interest in pursuing STEM subjects.
Pupil Involvement
Year 5 pupils from RGS Dodderhill, RGS Springfield, and RGS The Grange participated alongside local primary school pupils, providing a mix of experience levels. The pupils were encouraged to collaborate within teams, applying both individual and group problem-solving skills. The event also involved RGS Worcester’s science staff, with assistance from students helping to facilitate the activities. The challenge was suitable for mixed-gender teams and encouraged teamwork among participants aged 9-10.
Frequency
The Eggstravaganza is an annual event, designed to take place each year as part of RGS Worcester’s ongoing outreach and engagement with local schools. The event is held over two days, with one day dedicated to RGS school pupils and another day for local primary school participants. It will continue to grow in scope and impact each year.
