A STEM Challenge where pupils design and build a model to move tomatoes down a mountain

Challenge your students to take on a real life  problem affecting people in Nepal.

The problem: In Nepal many farmers living on the mountainside grow fruit and vegetables, including tomatoes. To earn a living they need to sell these at the local market.  The problem is getting to market involves a long, dangerous walk down the mountain side and over a river, at the end of which the tomatoes may well be a bit squashed.

The challenge: To design, build and test a way of moving tomatoes that won’t squash them!

Suitable for pupils aged 7-16.

This challenge is perfect to reinforce a lesson on forces or as a STEM club, transition or British Science Week activity.  It is accredited for the CREST award scheme and can be used as a project for the Big Bang Competition.