SCHOOLS in Swindon are being urged to take part in this year’s Big Bang challenge designed to inspire the next generation of civil engineers.

The Big Bang Civil Engineering Classroom Challenge asks eight to 16-year-olds to work out how to turn the Casement Park Stadium in Belfast into an emergency shelter for 500 victims of a hurricane, and produce a newspaper report which explains how they did it.

They will also have to address the simulated crisis as though it occurred in 2064.

The competition is organised by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) with Class of Your Own, the Gaelic Athletics Association and Mott MacDonald. Prizes include a 3D printer from Ultimaker and a Design Master class from Mott MacDonald for the winning school.

Schools have until July 1 to enter by emailing thisis@ice.org.uk. Visit www.ice.org.uk/bigbangclassroomchallenge.