Brain power applied at science and engineering challenge

THE high decibel cheering said it all – science and engineering can definitely get exciting.

After all, how often do you get to build a house with limited resources, that also complies with strict size specifications, must catch rain, withstand gale-force winds and accommodate a reliable helipad on the roof – all while bettering the competition?

The location was Ballarat High School gym where, last Wednesday, more than 250 students from seven different secondary schools across the state gathered to go brain-to-brain in the state final of the Science and Engineering Challenge.

The school teams, including local finalists Ballarat Grammar, were locked in battle for the chance to represent Victoria in the national final at Newcastle next month.

Competitive activities set for the state final contestants included planning an electricity network, a glider flight challenge, the Eco-Habitech construction challenge, building a wind turbine, using First Nations’ knowledge to design and build fish traps, creating a communications code using light, and designing a sturdy load-bearing bridge.

Founded by the University of Newcastle that also plays a key role in running it, the annual challenge aims to inspire more young minds to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects in senior high school.

“Fundamentally the program is all about showing students what engineering and science looks like in practice,” said Anna Popowicz, Science and Engineering Challenge team leader with the University of Newcastle.

“It provides middle years secondary school students with an exhilarating day where they compete with other school groups in multiple science and engineering-based challenges.”

Competing schools that had won at regional level to qualify for last week’s state final were Auburn High School, Bendigo South East College, Ballarat Grammar, Oberon High School, King’s College, Leongatha Secondary College and St Arnaud Secondary College.

Last Wednesday’s competition was intense, with the final overall score ultimately seeing Auburn High take out the state title and qualify to go on and compete for the national title next month.

Bendigo South East College came in second overall, with Ballarat Grammar taking out third spot overall in the state finals, having also won the flight challenge during the day.

Local Rotary clubs including Wendouree Breakfast, Ballarat West and Alfredton all helped to run last week’s state final, providing volunteers on the day.

“We think it’s important for regional kids to undertake STEM activities and build knowledge about the different ways in which STEM can lead a career,” Alfredton Rotary Club member and volunteer on the day, Deb Robertson said.

“Rotary is all about education and opportunity for kids among the various things we do. We always really value seeing the kids doing their best and taking on the challenges.”