More than 150 students from seven Limestone Coast high schools went head-to-head in a series of science and engineering challenges at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre last week, coinciding with National Science Week.
The annual Science and Engineering Challenge event saw Year 9-10 students undertaking everything from designing bridges to building a Mars rover.
Points were awarded for each activity with Grant High School taking out the STEM-sational winning honours at the conclusion of the day with a total of 1430 points.
Naracoorte High School placed runner up closely followed by Millicent High School which was only five points off second place.
Grant High School Science and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) coordinator Andrew McGregor had nothing but praise for the event and the students who participated.
“It is really great for the University of Newcastle to actually bring this event to us,” he said.
“We have got to give credit to all the schools, there were certainly different strengths.
“Being that this group had not done this activity before I think it was a credit to them they were able to look at what needed to be done and focus on it.
“They are an amazing group of students who are obviously very keen on the STEM activities, and we are really, really happy they got to come to an event like this and show that knowledge.”
Mr McGregor said he hoped the event inspired students to be more involved in STEM subjects and opportunities.
“It’s awesome for the students that are actually quite academically minded to have an opportunity to be able to show that,” he said.
“It is just kids that are keen on science, technology, engineering and maths and can use those theoretical skills in a practical manner.
“For us to be able to continue that learning now that we have learned here I think is our next step that we would like to do.
“There are lots of different types of kids that we have got here today so it’s really nice to see that we have got a wide variety represented and hopefully that will encourage more STEM work.”
Over 30 volunteers with STEM related training and experience from local businesses and Rotary clubs helped with the event, allowing students to meet with people currently working in STEM related careers in industry and local government within the Limestone Coast community.
The event was part of a national competition, and the winning team could have a shot at the national final to be held in Sydney in October depending on other schools’ results.
The Science and Engineering Challenge was presented by the University of Newcastle and coordinated by Lakes Rotary Mount Gambier with assistance from the Rotary Club of Mount Gambier.
Generous sponsorship was provided by the University of South Australia, Rotary Club of Adelaide, City of Mount Gambier, Kimberly-Clark Australia, Timberlink Australia, Tonkin Consulting, Grant District Council, Naracoorte District Council Lucindale, Beach Energy, Inspiring South Australia and Wattle District Council Range.
Several dignitaries were in attendance including sponsor’s representatives and local Mayors.
The Science and Engineering Challenge is designed to inspire year 9-10 students to consider future careers in the field of STEM by involving them in a series of fun and exciting activities they would not normally experience in a classroom.
