A new challenge to inspire the next generation of British scientists and engineers was launched on Thursday 25 February 2010 by double Olympic gold medallist rower James Cracknell.

The STEM Challenge, coordinated by STEMNET, invites teams of 11 to 14 year olds from secondary schools around the country to play their part in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by designing gloves for rowing, canoeing or sailing.

The winning glove design could make it to the prototype stage with adidas, the Official Sportswear Partner to London 2012. Other prizes include spending the day with an Olympian and the latest in adidas sports equipment.

To introduce the challenge, James took students from Burnham Grammar and Burnham Upper schools out in rowing boats on Eton Dorney Lake, Windsor – the venue for the Rowing, Paralympic Rowing and Canoe Sprint events at London 2012 – where he briefed them on his winning technique and what they will need to think about when designing their gloves.

In Olympic events, every one-hundredth of a second counts, so pupils were advised on aerodynamics as well as grip and durability. They were also encouraged to think about how to make the gloves waterproof without enveloping the hands in sweat and how to protect against painful calluses and blisters typically experienced by seasoned rowers.

James Cracknell, who has a Masters in Sport Science and is renowned for his charitable sporting adventures as well as his international rowing career, said:

“I have always been intrigued by how the body works and my knowledge of science has definitely helped me to achieve success and further my sporting career. STEM subjects have a massive impact on achievement in sport and this new challenge provides a great opportunity for young people to be inspired by London 2012 while putting their science, technology, engineering and mathematical skills into practice.

“Rowers don’t wear gloves because they can cause their hands to sweat which impedes the action of rowing. However, a specially designed glove made correctly with the right materials to allow breathability could make a major contribution to the sport,” he added.

Nick Craggs, Marketing Director, adidas Area North, said:

“adidas wants to inspire young people to become involved in sport and participation comes in many forms. Our founder, Adi Dassler, dedicated his life to developing innovative sports kit for athletes. We are very pleased that through this STEM Challenge we can encourage the next generation of sports equipment designers”

The contest is the second in a series of ten STEM Challenges which encourage secondary school pupils to explore the demands involved in delivering the London 2012 Games and tackle them by using science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills.

Co-ordinated by STEMNET on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) each of the ten STEM Challenges will take approximately one school term to complete. The project has received the London 2012 Inspire mark and will focus on the behind-the-scenes activities that are making London 2012 happen. Themes will include sustainability, construction and sportswear design.

Pat Langford, STEMNET Director of Programmes, said:

“The STEM challenges embrace all that is exciting about science and technology and help to bring those subjects to life in the classroom or after-school clubs. They provide young people with a real chance to connect with the Olympic and Paralympic Games no matter where they live in the UK. Our second challenge is all about designing an item of sportswear to help athletes perform at their very best. Thanks to the support from adidas, the winning glove could become an innovation that makes the difference between missing out on the podium and the glory of a gold medal.”

Nick Fuller, head of education at LOCOG said:

“When London won the right to host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, we made a clear promise to use the power of the 2012 Games to inspire young people in all areas, not just sport. Today’s launch is an excellent example of how young people throughout the UK are engaging with the Games across all areas of the curriculum. We, and our valued partners including adidas, want to ensure that the 2012 Games leave a legacy for young people that continues long after the closing ceremony.

“The STEM challenges form an important part of the practical learning strand of Get Set, the official London 2012 education programme . It has been awarded our Inspire mark because it is accessible, participative and inspires young people.”

The adidas glove challenge is now under way and runs until Sunday 25 April. Teams taking part must register by Monday 22 March 2010 with a maximum of six students entered per team.

The STEM Challenges are open to any school or college in England and all schools in the UK can register for access to resources and take part. The challenges can take place in the classroom or as part of an after school STEM Club. Schools can find out more about the challenges by visiting www.stemchallenges.net.

For further information, please contact us on 020 3206 0450 or email info@stemnet.org.uk

Image credit: David Parry / Press Association