A group of Exeter pupils have tapped into success after their hydro-electric water invention has made the finals of the region’s largest Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) competition.
The budding hydro-engineers impressed South West Water at the Exeter Big Bang event and today (Thursday 14 June) presented their hydro-tap concept to the company’s Operations Director, Drinking Water Services, Bob Taylor.
The St Peter’s Church of England Aided School year 10s, who meet at lunchtimes to develop their invention, will be attending the regional Big Bang final in Bristol later this month.
Team member Hannah Gillett, 15, from Exeter said: “The hydro-tap is a small turbine that fits into pipes under the sink and uses wastewater to generate electricity.
“Meeting Bob Taylor gave us valuable guidance which we will use to take our idea to the next level.”
Exmouth’s Ben Tigg, 15, who completed work experience with the water company, said: “It would be amazing to take our hydro-tap idea further and create a widespread concept. Bob Taylor gave us advice on how to do exactly that.”
Teacher Samantha Isard, who hosts lunchtime STEM sessions with the pupils said: “During lunch, the students have developed the hydro-tap idea on their own. The lunchtime STEM club now attracts 30 students, compared to just 7 one year ago.
“It was a pleasure to see Bob give the students such fantastic feedback and we are very much looking forward to visiting Mary Tavy Hydro-electric Power Station in September thanks to South West Water.”
South West Water’s Bob Taylor, who is also the Deputy Chair of Governors at South Devon University Technical College, said: “It was a pleasure to meet and provide guidance to such talented young individuals who are looking to find a sustainable way to generate electricity from wastewater.
“It’s an honour to invest in the next generation and great to see a local school invest in STEM education.”
The students’ ambitions are set on the national Big Bang event, held annually in Birmingham.
