Taking on our challenge
The ICE stand at the Big Bang (which we have keenly supported since it began in 2009) featured a ‘build the tallest tower’ competition which saw 1,248 young people enthusiastically take up the challenge.
A healthy competitive spirit was inspired further by the grand prize of a place on the annual ICE & Snow ski trip for one lucky tower-builder!
Basic engineering skills
The activity encouraged budding engineers to apply basic principles of physics and logic in the building activity. Using small wooden bricks to construct their structures was harder than it first seemed, as some of our member volunteers found out when they had a go!
ICE‘s alpine-themed stand also highlighted the different landscapes that civil engineers can work in, and the opportunities for a career that can take you anywhere in the world.
Our volunteers and supporters
ICE staff and over 20 member volunteers were joined on the stand by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) education team who partnered with us on the Future Cities photo competition (for 8 to 19-year-olds). The ICE stand also featured a display about tall structures around the world with materials kindly supplied by Arup and BAM Nuttall.
A big thank you to everyone who volunteered their time, and also to all the members who visited our stand during the fair – it was great to see you.
If you know any young people with a passion for photography or engineering, our Future Cities photo competition is open for entries until 1 July!
You can also find out about Big Bang events in other cities around the UK.