Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics were the focus for seven local schools who competed in the Science and Engineering Challenge at the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre last week.


Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) is a nationwide STEM outreach program presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities and sponsors.


The aim is to have the students consider STEM related careers and to realise that many STEM careers are available in regional communities such as the Limestone Coast.


This year’s winning school Naracoorte High School will attend the upcoming South Australian state final and if successful move onto the national final in Townsville held later in the year.


Science and Engineering Challenge University of Newcastle team leader Anna Popowicz said there were eight different activities that all originated from concepts of science and engineering.


“We have got four that are more building based like build a tower, a bridge, turbine and a plane,” she said.


“Then we have got four that are more puzzle problem solving based so we have a Morse code one, how to wire up a city in the most efficient way and some other scheduling puzzle ones.


“There is also one that draws on indigenous fish trap designs where they are moving 3D printed blocks and stuff around to try and catch as many marbles or fish as they can.


“It is like half building and half problem solving is how we kind of do it.”


Miss Popowicz said the Mount Gambier event was one of around 50-60 hosted annually across the nation.


“It is always the same aim of trying to spark interest and enthusiasm for science and engineering and we try and introduce one or two new activities per year just to keep it a little bit different and a little bit exciting,” she said.


“For this year, fish traps and wind turbines are our two new ones.


“I think a lot of the students are keen to just try something different especially the building ones, we always get a good response there.


“For the most part I think they are pretty keen to just get out of the standard classroom and try something new for the day. I think overall it is really good.”