Construction of a bionic hand and Mars Rover were highlights of the Science and Engineering Challenge, which was held yesterday at ANSTO.
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| Sydney Technical High School was the victor in an event involving more than 250 students from seven schools across Sydney. |
Sydney Technical High School was the victor in an event involving more than 250 students from seven schools across Sydney.
They were the lead school in a competitive field that included Woolooware High School, Engadine High School, Georges River Grammar, Mount St Joseph Milperra, Kirrawee High School and Lucas Heights Community School.
ANSTO hosted the event as part of its national effort to get kids excited about maths and science in senior high school.
Year 9 and 10 students from the participating schools undertook a series of science-based challenges in teams, including building a Mars Rover they then have to navigate across rough terrain.
Sutherland Shire Mayor Kent Johns was excited by the prospect of having so many local schools involved in the Challenge.
“ANSTO is helping to inspire young people, and at the end of the day, the future of science and industry depends on them – our future engineers and scientists,” said Mayor Johns.
“Hands on experience with all of the things that science has to offer will encourage students to consider continuing to study STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) subjects in senior school.”
Rod Dowler, from ANSTO’s Discovery Centre, said it was a great opportunity for kids to learn alongside Australia’s best scientists and engineers.
“It’s a unique experience, encouraging students to think about different science principles and concepts, and their application in the real world,” said Mr Dowler.
“We’re encouraging them to think laterally and test the bounds of their knowledge, ultimately to give them insight into what a career in science and engineering could be like.
“It’s great to be able to give our future leaders a real understanding of how science benefits us day to day, and to demonstrate how enjoyable it can be,” he said.
Founded by the University of Newcastle in 2000, the Science and Engineering Challenge is now a national event, involving more than 800 schools, 25,000 high school students and 30 universities each year.
The event is divided into three levels: regional, state and national.
As it is the 15th anniversary, the state and national finals will be held at the University of Newcastle, with the national challenge planned to coincide with National Science Week in August.
Read about this in the Daily Telegraph.
Published: 27/05/2015