THERE IS AN increasing positive awareness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Barbados.
And according to Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Senator Harry Husbands, research suggests that more job opportunities and the better paying jobs are closely related to STEM education.
He was speaking recently at the 2014 Caribbean Science Foundation/CXC Sagicor Visionaries Challenge.
“There is, I think, an added incentive to all of you who have participated, and those of you who have not participated, they ought to be aware of the importance of science, technology, maths and so on to the country, but also to your personal development,” he said.
“The quality of your life going forward will depend on your participation in issues around science, technology and maths.”
The team from Queen’s College emerged winners with their project The Green Way To Get Styrofoam Away, which makes glue from foam and juice from citrus.
The Husbands, St James school beat out the other eight teams in the competition. They also won for Best Presentation, Best Plan And Project Design and Best Innovation.
Harrison College took second and third places with Daytime Lighting System and Traffic Monitoring Number System, respectively.
The school also took special prizes for the Best Use Of Science Technology Engineering And Mathematics, and Most Creative And Innovative.
Teams from the Alleyne School and Daryll Jordan Secondary were joint winners in the category of Most Relevant To Sustainable Caribbean Communities.
Competing schools were challenged to come up with a project that found a solution to a problem facing either their school or community.
The QC team will represent Barbados at a regional competition, while team leader Sasha McDowell and the supervising teacher will go on an all-expenses paid trip to Tampa, Florida, next summer with the STEM Ambassador programme. (YB)
