The power of three takes tech title
Connor Jobe, Lucia Bothwell and Roisin Anderson combined their creative problem-solving skills to win the Marlborough Regional Technology Challenge. Photo/William Woodworth
Three young engineers have been putting their talents to the test to take home a coveted technology title.
Riverlands School students Lucia Bothwell, Connor Jobe and Roisin Anderson have been named Marlborough Regional Technology Challenge champions.
From building a prosthetic leg out of craft materials, ensuring a water balloon survived a three-meter drop and building a stretcher capable of holding 5 kilograms, the trio impressed.
“All of the teams were given a tray of items and building instructions, with one challenge given to us beforehand - which was making a prosthetic leg” says Lucia.
“We had a good plan for that, so it gave us more time for the other projects.”
Outside of school technology classes all three champion creators have hands-on hobbies which meant building on their own time has paid off.
“We have a lot of Lego around the house, and I also like spending time making crafts out of recycled materials – Mum doesn’t necessarily like having too much stuff to build with but I have fun,” says Roisin.
Working out how to solve the challenges with common household items was a test of the team’s problem-solving skills at the competition last week.
Connor fashioned a parachute out of a rubbish bin liner to help their balloon land safely.
Their cardboard stretcher used newspaper and Sellotape to make it as solid as possible.
“I also spend time building 1/18th model cars, from since I was like 7 – and I’m really keen to do workshop and woodworking once I go to high school, Connot says.
Riverlands’ teacher Nikki Flood says the team of three was “absolutely fizzing” when they came back to school from the Technology Centre in Blenheim with the trophy.
It was especially impressive as teams are usually consist of four or even five students, she says.
“I always thought they had a chance to do really well, because all three think differently to one another and have their own specialities.
“It created a really great combination on the day, and we are all so stoked for them.”