Trophies to Spark Interest in Science Subjects in Schools
July 9 th 2025 - 17:07 [GMT + 2]
Middle school students from Troms have designed the trophies to be awarded to the best young rider after each stage of the Arctic Race of Norway in August. The students themselves will present the trophies, and the aim of the initiative is to spark interest in science and technology subjects.
Promoting Science and Technology
Behind this competition are Equinor, Arctic Race of Norway, and the Nordnorsk Science Center. They have a clear vision with this initiative. They want more students to open their eyes to science and technology subjects, so they can be motivated to choose these fields as potential study paths. Grete Birgitte Haaland, Director of Exploration and Production North at Equinor, believes the competition is a great example of how to include and motivate young people to continue working with creative and practical tasks.
"Together with skilled partners, we want to build important competencies in Northern Norway. With the school trophy competition, students get the opportunity to learn about 3D printing, problem-solving, and design. They can express themselves creatively while learning about relevant technology in the north. We hope this contributes to giving students the curiosity they need to continue exploring technology and science subjects," says Haaland.
Many Excellent Contributions
Communication Manager Elisabeth Killie Kanebog at the Nordnorsk Science Center reports that feedback from teachers has been that students found the educational program with idea development, design, and model building to be fun. The spokesperson further states that the jury enjoyed reviewing all the entries and was unanimous in choosing the winners, and they are now looking forward to revealing to the classes who has won.
"We received many excellent contributions from the participating schools, and we see that this form of practical approach to a task strengthens curiosity and interest in technology and creative thinking. We are glad to be able to contribute to this," says the spokesperson.
Reflecting the Region
Managing Director Knut-Eirik Dybdal at Arctic Race of Norway is impressed by the students' efforts and creativity.
"The trophies the students have designed beautifully reflect the qualities of the region and what Arctic Race of Norway stands for. The trophies are a combination of youthful creativity, local identity, and the use of new technology, symbolizing Northern Norway in an incredibly beautiful way," says Dybdal.
A total of eight middle schools from Troms participated in this year's competition. The four winning trophies will be 3D-printed by AM North in Hammerfest.
Awarded in Sørreisa
Here is how a student from Sørreisa School describes their proposal: "Our trophy depicts a bicycle at the top standing on the sea/road in Sørreisa. The stars below are from the coat of arms of Sørreisa municipality. We envision the stars to be gold, the bicycle red, and the tires black.
Awarded in Målselv
Here is how students from Kvaløysletta Middle School describe their proposal: "The trophy is designed for someone who is enduring and strong. Our design is as follows: A river representing Målselva, which is a large part of Northern Norwegian nature. We also have trees around a central trophy made of gold. The elements we have used are: The blue color to symbolize the Nordic sea and Målselva, the white poles to symbolize the snow we have, the green wreath to symbolize nature and hope, the yellow trophy to show pride and joy, the orange to show that we still have warmth even though we have cold. The design is made for the winner of the Arctic Race of Norway, in which we have placed a bicycle in the center to show that they have won the bicycle race, and that is what is centered."
Awarded in Tromsø
Here is how students from Hillesøy School describe their proposal: "This trophy is designed for the winner of the Arctic Race because I think those who cycle in Northern Norway feel quite at one with nature. It can have a nice place on the trophy shelf. The local belonging of this trophy is the water surrounding the bicycle. It can also be interpreted as seaweed. What makes the trophy quite cool is that it almost seems magical with water spreading in a circle and in the middle, there is a bicycle. As if the water parts."