Small Is ... Challenge
Looking for a great challenge for Key Stages 2 and 3?
Our Small Is..Challenge is based around Practical Action's founder E.F.Schumacher’s philosophy that small changes can lead to a big impact on people’s lives.
The challenge for students is to look at technologies from the last 100 years and invent a product that could help us all lead a more sustainable future.
You'll find everything you need to run the challenge including a full colour technology timeline in the download section below.
Within the further information section, you find examples of students inspirational ideas and how to take the challenge further into regional and national events.
“This activity is accredited by the British Science Association as suitable to count towards a CREST Star Investigators SuperStar award. For more information about the scheme please visit their website
Our materials below provide all the support you'll need to run the challenge. They include;
- A two metre long full colour technology timeline (see below). Please download the pdf here or email us at schools@practicalaction.org.uk and we will send you one.
- An introductory presentation with suggested starter activities.
- Six student worksheets, including homework and evaluation sheets.
- Small Is...Challenge certificates
The following downloadable images and information are examples of Practical Action's technologies included within the timeline.
| Tuin | Microhydro | Anagi stove | Floating Gardens | Zeer pots | MP3 player | Schumacher |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| image | image | image | image | image | image | image |
| information | information | information | information | information | information | information |
For other technology in the last 100 years go to the Timelines of Invention and technology website
Examples of students design ideas
So what next?
If your students have enjoyed the challenge, then why not reuse their challenge work to enter into regional and international events.
Big Bang regional fairs
The regional Big Bang Fairs are fantastic days out with your students doing science and engineering activities.
Crest Awards
To enter your key stage 3 students for a Bronze Crest award, your students will need to spend approximately ten hours developing their design ideas into a working model. When they have gained their award they will be eligible to enter for a Crest award prize.
