On my morning drive to STEM Community HQ, while tuning into the news, I stumbled upon a shocker - apparently, we're losing MILLIONS of biscuits to the milky abyss of our beloved tea (coffee if you prefer) every single week... MILLIONS, I tell you! It's a universal struggle, that nerve-wracking moment of truth. Your cherished biscuit is teetering on the brink, its structural integrity compromised. The big decision looms: do you let it plunge into your brew's milky depths or attempt a hasty, face-bound rescue, risking a scorched mouth or, even worse, sporting biscuit debris as your new fashion accessory for the day, should the cookie crumble mid-air?
Here at STEM Community HQ, tea and biscuits are practically our middle names. After all, we're nestled in York, the proud birthplace of Betty's, and just a stone's throw away from Harrogate, where Taylors of Harrogate reigns supreme. Our kitchen cupboards are practically bursting with Yorkshire Teabags. But, I digress - let's circle back to the contest.
This biscuit debacle has sparked a brilliant idea: what if we launch a nationwide competition, open to students (and the young at heart who can't resist joining in) to design, construct, and trial a biscuit dunking contraption? This ingenious device would churn out trusty data on the ideal depth, duration, and angle for dunking a variety of shop-bought biscuits to perfection.
Details for the "The Great Dunk Test,", a unique and exciting student competition where science and engineering meets snack time! This challenge invites students to design and conduct an experiment to test the "dunkability" of various biscuits. This contest combines principles of engineering, physics, chemistry, and perhaps a bit of culinary art to understand what makes a biscuit withstand a dunk in a hot beverage.
Objective:
To design and execute an experiment that effectively tests and measures the dunkability of different types of biscuits. Dunkability may be defined by criteria such as structural integrity, absorption rate, flavour enhancement, or any other measurable factor deemed relevant by the participants.
Eligibility:
Open to ALL age groups. Age categories: 7-11(KS2), 11-14(KS3), 14+(KS4-5), Big kids (because I know a fair few of you will do your own!)
Participants can enter as individuals or teams (maximum of six members).
Guidelines:
Experiment Design: Outline a clear and concise design and experiment plan, including hypothesis, variables (independent, dependent, and controlled), method, and expected results.
Materials: Use commonly available materials. The primary material will be a variety of biscuits. Beverages for dunking can include tea, coffee, milk, etc.
Safety: Ensure all experiments are conducted safely, especially when dealing with hot beverages.
Data Collection: Accurately record the results. Use creative ways to measure dunkability – this can include time measurements, weight, texture analysis, etc.
Presentation: Prepare a report or presentation that summarises the experiment, findings, and conclusions. Creativity and clarity in communication will be rewarded. Designs and/or photographs of your contraption must be included.
Judging Criteria:
Originality of Experiment Design (20%)
Scientific Methodology (25%)
Accuracy and Thoroughness of Data Collection (20%)
Analysis and Interpretation of Data (20%)
Presentation and Creativity (15%)
Prizes: Will be awarded for the top entry(s) in each category and will be announced soon... (I'm going to try and tap up some of our local tea related companies for some quali-tea prizes!)
Important Dates:
Submission Deadline: Easter 2024 (31st March)
Winner Announcement: Week beginning 8th April 2024
Entries should be submitted the thread in the Careers, Clubs and Cross-curricular group on the link below.
You should upload your report/presentation as an attachment to your thread reply and indicate which age category you are entering your students for.
You can include Word/PowerPoint (or equivalents), PDF, image files and videos. Click Upload a file below the reply box to add your file(s).
https://community.stem.org.uk/discussion/student-competition-the-great-dunk-test-biscuit-dunkability-challenge-entries
GOOD LUCK!!