Competition to inspire next generation of STEM learners
The ScottishPower Foundation and National Museums Scotland have launched a new photography competition for primary and secondary school students across Scotland. Budding photographers (aged 9 to 14) are being asked to submit a single photograph that brings to life their interpretation of the word ‘energy’ – this could be anything from a wind farm, steam from a boiling kettle, or even the gleaming shine of a lightbulb.
Energise aims to encourage young people to think about how energy powers the world around them. Both mobile phone and camera entries are welcome, with entrants being encouraged to showcase their creative flair and artistic photography skills.
The competition is part of Get Energised, a programme run by National Museums Scotland thanks to funding from the ScottishPower Foundation. The initiative aims to encourage more young people to consider pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM). The winner will receive a GoPro camera for their school and their winning shot will be displayed in the Learning Centre at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh for one whole month.
National Museums Scotland unveiled ten new galleries at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh last year, including the ScottishPower Foundation supported Energise gallery, which showcases world-class collections of science and technology such as high voltage transmission equipment from 1923 and a hydrogen powered car.
Ann McKechin, Trustee and Executive Officer at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be working so closely with National Museums Scotland on this exciting new project. We recently invested a significant amount in the highly educational and interactive Energise gallery in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and ultimately we hope this competition will further encourage more young people to pursue a career in science and technology.”
Sarah Cowie, Learning Officer at National Museums Scotland said: “We are thrilled that the ScottishPower Foundation has chosen to continue supporting our science and technology activities programme through this photography competition. It presents a wonderful opportunity for school pupils to take a creative approach to science and explore some of the many diverse sources of energy which power our planet.”
The Energise competition opened on Monday, 24 April and will close at 12 noon on Friday, 2 June 2017. To enter, young people (aged 9 to 14) from across Scotland must submit a photographer by email to spfoundation@stripecommunications.com or by post to FAO: Team Foundation, Stripe Communications, 86/3 Commercial Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6LX.
Terms and condition apply - these will be included along with competition information packs supplied to schools directly and available via online teaching resources. Competition information packs can also be requested from the details above.
For further information, please contact Jen Ward, Laura Blyth or Kathryn Wilkie on 0131 561 8628 or spfoundation@stripecommunications.com
Notes to Editors
ScottishPower Foundation
The ScottishPower Foundation is a registered Scottish charity (SC043862) and a company limited by guarantee (SC445116). The Foundation’s aim is to make a significant and lasting contribution to society and enhance the quality of life in local communities. It provides funding to registered charities and non-profit organisations for the following purposes: the advancement of education; the advancement of environmental protection; the advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science; the prevention or relief of poverty and the relief of those in need by reason of disability or other disadvantage; the advancement of citizenship and community development.
National Museums Scotland
National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in the UK and Europe and it looks after collections of national and international importance. The organisation provides loans, partnerships, research and training in Scotland and internationally. Our individual museums are the National Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Flight, the National Museum of Rural Life and the National War Museum. The National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh houses conservation and research facilities as well as collections not currently on display.