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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do you need to submit to enter?

To enter the competition, we require a completed project book (for each team) to be submitted by midnight 15 December.

Teams can be in groups of up to 6 students per group

Here is the list of items to submit:

  • a completed steps project book per team
  • optional - photos or video content. please note these will not be included in the judging material. only the project book will be judged.

2. How to Submit

This year all submissions are online through our SMApply app. 

  • Complete the cover page for each team's Project Book.
  • Scan a pdf copy of each Project Book (one per team) - you must submit only one document per team.
  • Complete the submission form through our online platfrom 
  • Upload the pdf Project Books where prompted
  • Optional - upload photo or video content - ensure relevant consent forms have been completed.

We will circulate guidelines on how to upload your submission in October.

3. Guidance for Teachers

At STEPS we understand that many teachers are not familiar with engineering. However, we also know that teachers would really like to do more engineering with their class. Introducing engineering to children at this young age is very important. They learn about engineering before they encounter bias or other barriers, and it creates awareness of the many options there are within engineering. In fact, in a recent survey we did we found that over 95% of teachers felt they would like to do more engineering with their class. We have listened to you! 

We will launch our teachers conference in august which should be of benefit to new and returning teacher alike. you can find out more about the teachers conference here.

Remember: it is the students do the work - not you!

4. STEPS Volunteer Engineer school visit

You can sign up for a visit from a STEPS Volunteer Engineer through your online Registration Form. We cannot guarantee your school will get a visit as there are limited numbers of volunteer engineers.

All STEPS Volunteer Engineer visits are online. (If it suits both parties, and government regulations permit, you are welcome to organise an in-class visit mutually.)

To register for a visit:

  • Your class must be available to welcome a STEPS Volunteer Engineer (for approx. 2hrs) on the week of 22nd November
  • The visit corresponds to the 'Present Your Project' - STEP 4 in the Project Book
  • The Volunteer Engineer will listen to your class present their projects and give encouraging feedback. They will not judge the competition - a panel of Engineers Ireland judges will judge the projects in January.
  • The Volunteer Engineer will also give a brief introduction to their life as an engineer and answer any questions your class may have.
  • The teacher must always stay in the class throughout the online visit for Child Protection purposes

If you are choosing a virtual visit:

  • you must be able to organise with the volunteer the platform and date and time of your choice. 

5. Deadline

Submit your project book to us before Wednesday, 15 December.

6. Prizes and results

The winning team and runners up will be presented with a custom designed steps young engineers award trophy for the school. each member of the team will receive a framed certificate and medal for their achievement.

Highly commended projects will receive a trophy for their school, as well as medals and certificates for each member of the team.

All students will receive a young engineer award certificate.

7. Social Media

We would love to see your class in action and to see all the schools around Ireland raise the profile of engineering. We are sure that some of your students will have excellent ideas. 

Let's see what they come up with! Use our hashtags on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram #STEPSYoungEngineersAward #STEPS 

Contact the STEPS team
The very best of luck to your class. Don't forget, if you have any queries, you can contact STEPS on 016651310 or via the button below.