ICE CityZen: Innovative Engineering Competitions Fostering STEM Skills in UK Students

ICE CityZen: Innovative Engineering Competitions Fostering STEM Skills in UK Students

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has developed two competitions designed to engage and inspire the next generation of engineers.

The ICE CityZen competitions, featuring unique skills-building computer games, offer students aged 14-18 to explore civil engineering concepts while developing crucial skills for their future careers.

These annual competitions, which run from autumn to spring, allow students to apply their knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving abilities to real-world engineering challenges.

ICE CityZen offers a comprehensive learning experience beyond traditional classroom instruction by combining digital gameplay with practical project work.

The Two ICE CityZen Competitions

ICE offers two separate competitions catering to different age groups:

  1. ICE CityZen Award for 16-18-year-olds: This competition challenges older students to tackle complex engineering problems and develop innovative solutions for urban environments.
  2. ICE CityZen Pollution Control Challenge for 14-16-year-olds: Tailored for younger participants, this competition focuses on environmental issues and encourages students to explore engineering solutions for pollution control.

Both competitions are free to enter and offer valuable prizes, making them accessible and attractive to many students across the UK.

The ICE CityZen competitions are structured in two parts, providing a balanced approach to learning and skill development:

  1. Digital Game Component: Students engage in a multi-award-winning digital game over 4-6 one-hour sessions. This game simulates real-world engineering scenarios, allowing participants to apply their knowledge and decision-making skills in a virtual environment.
  2. Creative Project Component: Following the digital game, students undertake an innovative project where they pitch their ideas on how civil engineering could improve their local environment. This component encourages the practical application of the concepts learned during gameplay and fosters innovation.

The ICE CityZen competitions offer students a host of benefits, enhancing their educational experience and prospects. These competitions catalyse the development of crucial STEM skills, including teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.

The competitions provide students with valuable exposure to civil engineering as a potential career option. Through hands-on experience and project work, participants gain insight into the importance and global impact of civil engineering. This exposure can be instrumental in shaping students’ future career choices and inspiring them to consider engineering a viable and exciting profession.

Each competition is designed to complement classroom learning. The content aligns closely with national curricula for subjects such as geography and design technology, reinforcing and expanding upon concepts taught in school. This alignment ensures that participation in the competitions enhances rather than detracts from students’ academic progress.

One of the most significant benefits is the opportunity for practical application of engineering principles. By working on projects related to their local environment, students can directly observe how their learning concepts translate into real-world solutions. This hands-on approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, making engineering principles more tangible and relevant to students’ lives. It allows them to see firsthand how civil engineering can be used to address challenges and improve communities, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the field.

Alongside this, the ICE CityZen competitions offer various forms of recognition for participants:

  • Certificates of Participation: All students receive certificates acknowledging their involvement and dedication.
  • Prizes: While specific details are not provided, the competitions offer “great prizes” to top performers.
  • Game Accolades: The digital CityZen game has received significant recognition, including:
    • Gold Award for Best Learning Game at the 2023 Learning Technologies Awards
    • Winner in the Secondary Free Digital Content App or Open Educational Resource category at the 2024 Bett Awards

To ensure fair and organised participation, ICE has established clear guidelines for the competitions:

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Students must be aged 16-18 years old for the ICE CityZen Award
  • Participants must be attending full-time education in a UK school or college
  • A teacher or school representative must register teams

Registration Process: Interested schools and colleges can register their interest for the 2024/25 award through the ICE website. Detailed terms and conditions of entry are available for review.

As the competitions evolve and gain recognition, they may play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of STEM education in the UK. By exposing students to civil engineering at a young age, these competitions could help address the ongoing skills shortage in the engineering sector. They provide a platform for students to explore engineering as a viable and exciting career option, potentially increasing the number of young people pursuing engineering degrees and careers.

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TLDR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):

  • ICE CityZen offers two engineering competitions for UK students aged 14-18
  • Competitions include a digital game and creative project component
  • Develops STEM skills, provides career insights, and complements curriculum
  • Free to enter with prizes and recognized by prestigious awards
  • Supported by comprehensive resources for students, teachers, and mentors
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