Four Whakatāne Intermediate students are heading to the EPro8 semifinals after winning their regional competition by just two points.

The team finished with 242 points and will now take on some of the best teams from around the Bay of Plenty at the next stage of the engineering and problem-solving competition.

The students said they enjoyed all aspects of EPro8, from building projects and solving math problems to pressing the button that puts their creations into action.

“I think it's just problem-solving. We enjoy problem-solving and everything else.”

Coach Ben McDonald said the team had a strong history in the competition and reached the semifinals last year.

The team's latest project was a solar panel designed to follow the sun and maximise the amount of sunlight it receives.

“We had a torch and shined a light on a sensor, and that started moving. Then it went back when it was nighttime.”

The team is made up of three year 8 students and one year 7 student from Whakatāne Intermediate.

While building the solar panel had its challenges, the students said it was far from the hardest project they have completed.

EPro8, which stands for Engineering, Problem Solving, and Innovation, has been inspiring students for more than a decade, and it’s the largest non-sporting event for school-age children to compete in. The competition is open to students in years 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, and 11-13.

McDonald said it was ideal for students who enjoy building, creating, and solving problems.

“If you're into Lego or Lego Technic or anything like that, building, making, it's a fantastic thing to get into.”

The group is looking forward to the semifinals and the chance to compete against tougher opposition.

They are hoping the competition theme will be video games.

“I hope its video game themed and not movies.”

The semifinals will be held at McCoy Intermediate in Rotorua next Tuesday, from 4pm to 7pm.

The students encourage others to take part in the competition next year.

“I think everyone should do it. It's really fun.”