Limestone Coast students were able to take part in a science and engineering challenge in Mount Gambier last week, thanks to local service clubs.

Lakes Rotary, in conjunction with a number of generous sponsors, brought the Science and Engineering Challenge back to schools in the region last Friday.

Held at Tenison Woods College Gym, approximately 150 students from Tenison Woods College, St Martins Lutheran College, Grant High, Millicent High, Naracoorte High and Bordertown High competed, with the support of many volunteers including the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier and Mount Gambier Lions Club.

The Science and Engineering Challenge is a nationwide STEM outreach program presented by the University of Newcastle.

Through the Science and Engineering Challenge, students experience aspects of science and engineering which they would not usually see in their school.

Students from Year 9 and 10 were involved in a day competing against other schools in hands-on activities such as designing an earthquake proof tower, providing electricity to a city or building a bridge.

Lakes Rotary Club’s Darren Archibald said it was clearly evident, whilst the end goal was clear, the teamwork required and the different directions each team took to successfully complete the activities.

“At the end of the day the scores were very close, and it was Naracoorte High School who were victors, closely followed by Bordertown High and Tenison Woods College,” he said.

“Event sponsors allow students to participate at no cost and were: Australian Gas Infrastructure Group, University of South Australia, City of Mount Gambier, Kimberly-Clark Australia, the Rotary Club of Adelaide, Timberlink Australia, Tonkin Consulting, Grant District Council, Naracoorte District Council Lucindale, ForestrySA, Beach Energy, Inspiring South Australia and Chemist King.”