We are pleased to announce the CSIRO + Tech Schools Bees with Backpacks Design Challenge 2020.
*NOTE - Entry submission date has been changed to Oct 9*
In partnership with CSIRO and sponsored by Telstra, selected Tech Schools are inviting young designers, coders and makers in Years 5-10 + VCAL to join a global project to save bees from extinction.
In this design challenge, students will study food security, bees and bee behaviour to design a local habitat to increase bee activity. Finalists will be mentored by industry to prepare their pitch for the ultimate bee friendly habitat.
The challenge includes an entire STEM unit of extensive learning modules and curriculum mapping. Students will learn the importance of honeybees in maintaining biodiversity across the world and will explore the issues behind the decline of bee populations over the past five decades. An interactive online student workbook is available for online delivery of the Bees with Backpacks Design Challenge.
Please contact us for more information: [email protected]
Competition Outline and Resource Pack
CSIRO Bees With Backpacks Fact Sheets
BONUS: Tech Futures Talk - Future of Food: Bees, Innovation and Technology [Register here]
WATCH: Challenge immersion session with bee industry and biosecurity experts - contact us for the video link
KEY DATES Timeline
Bees with Backpacks 13 – 31 Jul Weeks 2-4, Term 3 |
Teachers deliver modules 1-5 in class |
Teacher Info Briefing (Streaming) Tue 21 Jul Week 2 Term 3, 2020 |
Information session for teachers - all challenge documents supplied |
Challenge Immersion Session Tue 4 Aug Week 4 , Term 3, 2020 Streaming online |
Explore themes and ideas for Bee Friendly environments with presentations from CSIRO, Beekeeper Organisations and Tech Schools 1.5 hours - recording available |
Registration By 11 Sep |
Teams to register no later than this date |
Entry Development Time 5 Aug – 25 Sep Weeks 4 - 11 Term 3, 2020 |
Limited online challenge support workshops available at host Tech Schools during this time |
Submission of entries 9 Oct Week 1, Term 4, 2020 |
Entries submitted by the due date |
Regional Winners 16 Oct Week 2, Term 4, 2020 |
Winning Regional Teams notified |
Pitch Workshop Date TBC Week 3, Term 4, 2020 Online |
For all winning regional teams prior to pitch final |
Pitch Final Date TBC Week 5, Term 4, 2020 Live event |
Winning regional teams and teachers attend online pitch final with CSIRO, Industry, community and Tech Schools |