Factsheet - IgnITE Skills Challenge 2019

The ignITE Skills Challenge is a national-level skills competition organised by the Institute of Technical Education, Singapore, with support from the Ministry of Education. As the only national competition for Normal stream students in Singapore, the aim is to excite secondary school students about the value of vocational and skills education. This year, there are 15 Skills Challenges (Information on the Challenges is in Annex A).

This year marks the fourth edition of ignITE Skills Challenge. Challenges are designed to be engaging and fun, so as to make learning enjoyable and memorable. Once students sign up for a competition challenge, they are required to attend one workshop training at the respective ITE College or a related MOE’s Category A Elective Module (EM). The purpose is for them to learn the necessary skills required for the competition and qualify for the preliminary rounds of each Challenge.

The number of Challenges linked to MOE Category A EMs increased from 54% to 87% (7 of 13 Challenges in 2018 vs 13 of 15 Challenges in 2019). These EMs were introduced by MOE to give Normal stream students a glimpse into what they would learn at ITE, to better prepare them for the transition from secondary schools to ITE.

After the preliminary rounds, finalists were shortlisted to compete on 22 May 2019. The top three teams from each Challenge will win trophies and medals. The school which wins the most challenges will receive the Champion Trophy.

What skills will students learn?

Skill Level 1: Identify the electronics components and understand their functions

Skill Level 2: Understand the functions of the circuit connections

Skill Level 3: Create basic electronics circuit with LED 

What are they scored for?

• Design and Construction
• Functionality
• Speed in Completing the Task
• Teamwork
• Housekeeping

Related ITE Course(s): 

Nitec in Electronics, Computer Networking & Communications, Higher Nitec in Electronics Engineering

MOE Category A Elective Module 

Circuit Tinkering

3) CREATE YOUR OWN VERTICAL GARDEN (New)

Objective of Challenge

Participants will be exposed to landscape design by picking up repotting techniques and creating a Vertical Garden.

What will be done during the Challenge?

Each team will be provided with 10 vertical pots and 10 plants to complete repotting. To design and form a complete vertical garden on a vertical garden panel, they have to place 10 ready-made vertical pots with the 10 vertical pots they repotted.

What skills will students learn?

Skill Level 1: Repotting technique such as basic handling from pots to vertical garden pots

Skill Level 2: Repotting plants with accurate handling skills within the stipulated time

Skill Level 3: Designing, creating and completing the vertical garden within the stipulated time.

What are they scored for?

• Technical skill on planting, watering, repotting, pruning and housekeeping
• Creativity (colours, design, texture)
• Practicality (stability of the vertical panel)

Related ITE Course(s):

Nitec in Urban Greenery & Landscape, Higher Nitec in Landscape Management & Design

MOE Category A Elective Module

Floral Magic

4) DATA VISUALISATION (New)

Objective of Challenge

By using suitable data tools to present numbers, participants can better visualise data sets and analyse them.

What will be done during the Challenge?

Participants will create charts, dashboards and/or stories using the Tableau or any suitable Data Visualisation software. Submissions must be aligned to the theme provided.

What skills will students learn?

Skill Level 1: Connect and prepare the dataset

Skill Level 2: Create charts and diagrams to present the dataset graphically

Skill Level 3: Create dashboards and/or stories to gain insights and demonstrate what decisions can be made

What are they scored for?

• Use of correlated data from various data sets
• Creation of suitable charts, dashboards, etc
• Provision of new insights into data sets
• Presentation

Related ITE Course(s): 

Nitec in Infocomm Technology, Nitec in Web & Application Development 

MOE Category A Elective Module

N.A.

5) DREAM GLIDER

Objective of Challenge

Participants apply knowledge on flight principles by designing, constructing and launching a wooden glider.

What will be done during the Challenge?

Teams will design and assemble the major parts of a glider and enable it to soar in the air. Each team is given three chances to launch their glider and land in demarcated zones.

What skills will students learn?

Skill Level 1: Identify the major parts of an airplane and their functions

Skill Level 2: Understand the concept of flight stability

Skill Level 3: Identify and describe the different types of wing shapes and aspect ratio 

What are they scored for?

The competition area is divided into different scoring zones, and the corresponding numbers indicated in the zones are the scores that will be awarded. All teams will launch their gliders in three rounds. Scores will be awarded for each round based on the landing spot of the glider on the demarcated zones.

Related ITE Course(s): 

Nitec in Aerospace Avionics, Nitec in Aerospace Technology 

MOE Category A Elective Module

Design and Build Your Own Glider

6) DRONE RACER (New)

Objective of Challenge

Beyond just learning to operate a drone, participants can develop computational thinking  and programming skills by designing a flight path that avoids obstacles. They will learn to code using visual code blocks that represent real programming concepts.

What will be done during the Challenge?

Using a smart device, participants will code and programme drones to overcome obstacles. Scores will be awarded for each round based on the landing spot of the drone on the demarcated zones of the competition area. The landing spot is determined as the point where the drone comes to a stop.

What skills will students learn?

Skill Level 1: Understand simple programming concepts

Skill Level 2: Code and fly a drone

Skill Level 3: Pilot a drone through obstacles

What are they scored for?

• The ability to programme a drone that is capable of completing a few challenging obstacle courses.
• The team that cleared all obstacles within the shortest timing will win the competition.

Related ITE Course(s):

Nitec in Electronics, Computer Networking & Communications, Higher Nitec in Electronics Engineering

MOE Category A Elective Module

N.A.

7) FLYING SAUCER

Objective of Challenge

Participants learn to identify electronics components and interpret circuit diagrams. They also gain hands-on experience in taking electrical measurements.

What will be done during the Challenge?

Teams will construct a circuit based on the given diagram, demonstrate the operation of the circuit and measure and record the voltages of the electronics components. All teams will then compete in launching and landing their ‘Flying Saucers’ accurately.

What skills will students learn?

Skill Level 1: Identify the electronics components and their functions

Skill Level 2: Interpret circuit diagram

Skill Level 3: Connect an electronics circuit with blinking LED and motor 

What are they scored for?

• Speed of assembly
• Circuit functionality
• Accuracy of measurements
• Landing accuracy 

Related ITE Course(s): 

Nitec in Electronics, Computer Networking & Communications, Nitec in Microelectronics,  Higher Nitec in Electronics Engineering

MOE Category A Elective Module

Fun with Electronics

8) FUN WHEELS

Objective of Challenge

Participants apply mathematical and scientific knowledge by building the hardware of an autonomous racing robot. Through racing, they also learn the value of programming on controller, input and output devices.

What will be done during the Challenge?

Teams will build an autonomous racing robot car that runs through a track. They have to tune and set parameters in programming their racing car to achieve the optimal speed and reliability.

What skills will students learn?

Skill Level 1: Appreciate the basics of an autonomous robot and the importance of programming the controller, input and output devices 

Skill Level 2: Programme and make changes to their projects 

Skill Level 3: Apply scientific knowledge to impact acceleration, speed and reliability 

What are they scored for?

• Ability of the ‘Fun Wheels’ car to run autonomously
• Race finish time
• Ability of the ‘Fun Wheels’ car to stop at the goal

Related ITE Course(s):

Nitec in Electronics, Computer Networking & Communications 

MOE Category A Elective Module

Interactive Electronics

9) GAME CREATION

Objective of Challenge

Participants apply game design and logical thinking skills to create games that are appealing. They have to strategise and collaborate with team members to meet the game play and User Interface design requirements.

What will be done during the Challenge?

Teams will create and publish a 2D game using Construct 2 software. The game must be able to work according to the requirements set in the game design specifications. 

What skills will students learn?

Skill Level 2: Analyse the game design requirements 

Skill Level 3: Strategise and collaborate with other team members to create the game within the time limit

What are they scored for?

• Game design
• Creativity
• Analytical skills
• Teamwork
• Time management 

Related ITE Course(s)

Creating a Computer Game

10) MAD MOCKTAIL STRIKES AGAIN!

Objective of Challenge

Participants apply knowledge on layering liquids with different densities. Through mocktail making, they learn techniques expected in restaurant service.

What will be done during the Challenge?

Teams will create mocktails by layering a selection of juices and syrups, using glassware and equipment provided.

What skills will students learn?

Skill Level 1: Appreciate the various types of liquids used in making mocktails

Skill Level 2: Understand the basics of densities of liquids and the concepts behind layering them

Skill Level 3: Conceptualise a delicious-looking mocktail utilising the knowledge attained 

What are they scored for?

• Liquid Portioning
• Sequence of Liquid Portioning
• Creativity Approach
• Density Effect
• Overall Timing for Mocktail Preparation
• Neatness & Orderliness
• Presentation
• Combination of Taste
• Visual Appeal of Drink
• Name Association & Link to Drink

Related ITE Course(s):

Nitec in Food & Beverage Operations, Higher Nitec in Hospitality Operations 

MOE Category A Elective Module

Introduction to Restaurant Service

11) POTION ALCHEMY (New)

Objective of Challenge

Participants will discover the beneficial properties in essential oils, and understand their usage and application. They learn how to design, package and market a wellness product that meets health and wellness concerns.

What will be done during the Challenge?

Teams will present their final wellness product via a promotional video and market it on social media platforms.

What skills will students learn?

Skill Level 1: Identify different essential oils

Skill Level 2: Understand the health and wellness properties of essential oils and their application

Skill Level 3: Concoct and produce lifestyle and wellness products, to target specific well- being and health concerns

What are they scored for?

Scores will be awarded starting from the development stage in which students need to convince judges of the suitability and possibility of developing a product for their target audience.

The finished wellness product will make up the main score. There should be appropriate usage of essential oils and the product must be custom packed using recycled materials. The team’s marketing efforts showcasing their products on social media platforms, will also carry a certain weightage on the final score.

Related ITE Course(s):

Nitec in Beauty & Wellness, Higher Nitec in Beauty & Wellness Management

MOE Category A Elective Module

Beauty Services

12)  RETAIL ‘POP-UP’ (New)

Objective of Challenge

Participants will develop merchandising display for a pop-up store from a given theme. They have to design advertising materials on digital and social media platforms (e.g. Facebook and Instagram), promote their products online and in store.

What will be done during the Challenge?

Each team will be assigned a desk area/pushcart to display their merchandise based on a given theme. They are expected to prepare the merchandise and display area, create POP and social media marketing materials and complete social media posting, before conducting a presentation to the judges.

What skills will students learn?

Skill Level 1: Identify the required knowledge for the given theme (pop-up store)

Skill Level 2: Understand the concepts of Retail Promotions, Retail Selling, Retail Operations and Social Media Marketing

Skill Level 3: Utilise the knowledge gained to the retail activity 

What are they scored for?

• Ability to comprehend and apply the knowledge and skills appropriately
• Preparation of merchandise and display area
• Creation of POP and social media marketing materials
• Ability to work as a group
• Ability to sell ideas/concepts and display good presentation skills
• Time management

Related ITE Course(s):

Nitec in Retail Services

MOE Category A Elective Module 

Retail Sales

13)  ROBOMECH CHALLENGE

Objective of Challenge

Participants will apply science and technology concepts by assembling the robot according to drawings provided. They will also learn how to control the robot and manoeuvre a  Humanoid to accomplish pre-determined tasks. 

What will be done during the Challenge?

Teams have to assemble, programme and navigate a functional robot using remote control. 

What skills will students learn?

Skill Level 1: Identify the different parts and functions of robotic components

Skill Level 2: Programme and control the robots in determining the locations they move to 

Skill Level 3: Accomplish pre-determined tasks using the robots, reflecting their programming and controlling skills

What are they scored for?

• Time taken to complete the programming of a functional robot so as to carry out given tasks
• Time taken to remote control a functional robot to complete the given tasks
• Marks shall be awarded to every task completed
• Marks may be deducted for any faults committed.

Related ITE Course(s):

Nitec in Mechatronics and Robotics, Higher Nitec in Mechatronics Engineering 

MOE Category A Elective Module

Mobile Robot in Mechatronics

14)  SOCIAL MEDIA RETAILING (New)

Objective of Challenge

Participants will gain market research skills, identify target market (millennials generation) and the products to promote. They learn to use a variety of software to create digital content (videos and pictures) for uploading on social media, and channel followers to the commerce website to shop and make purchase.

What will be done during the Challenge?

Each team will be given a laptop with internet connection to edit their creative work. They will create an original mobile commerce website related to the product they are promoting in their previously created Instagram post. All teams must then conduct a presentation to judges, explaining the process they took in website creation.

What skills will students learn?

Skill Level 1: Critical thinking skills in the form of identifying their target market

Skill Level 2: Market research skills pertaining to their chosen product

Nitec in Architectural Technology , Nitec in Visual Communications, Higher Nitec in Visual Merchandising

MOE Category A Elective Module

Video Production