Rotarians help students build skills at Science and Engineering Challenge

MANY Schools in the Ballarat area are gearing up for the 2024 Science and Engineering Challenge at Federation University on Tuesday 6 August.

Ballarat’s Rotary clubs have been a critical part of the SEC since its inception. The cooperation between Rotary and their communities is the key to ensuring successful events around Australia.

In most regions, local Rotary clubs take the lead role in organising Challenge and Discovery Day events. They bring together local communities, businesses, schools, professional organisations, and universities to support the Challenge financially and organisationally, and provides more than 200 local students with the chance to take part in fun and practical activities aimed at igniting their interest in science, engineering, and technology.

The Science and Engineering Challenge is a national program, with participation reaching 30,000 students from over 700 schools around Australia.

Students in the local competition have exhibited great enthusiasm and determination to win for their schools in activities ranging from crash testing model cars to building a catapult. Teachers involved have indicated that the challenge has had a significant, positive, and lasting effect on the students’ approach to science and technology in the classroom.

It is hoped that by raising enough funds, we can again support this unique and exciting event that aims to expand the options of young people in our community and alleviate skills shortages in the critical areas of science, engineering, and IT.

It Works!

In 2019, the national program involved more than 30,000 students from over 1000 schools across Australia. From the survey, past participants in the challenge said:

• 91 per cent – Found the Challenge rewarding

• 87 per cent – Found the Challenge informative about relevant potential careers

Future Study Of those students who participated in the Challenge and went on to study science and mathematics in Year 11

• 25 per cent of those studying Mathematics were influenced by the Challenge to select this subject

• 35 per cent of those studying Chemistry were influenced by the Challenge to select this subject

• 45 per cent of those studying Mathematics were influenced by the Challenge to select this subject

The feedback from teachers is also very encouraging with 100 per cent of survey respondents indicating that they would bring their students again and encourage other schools to participate.

While the event is held in partnership between the University of Newcastle, Federation University and Rotary District 9780, the success of the event depends on local sponsorship.

It is hoped that by raising enough funds, we can again support this unique and exciting event that aims to expand the options of young people in our community and alleviate skills shortages in the critical areas of science, engineering and Information technology.

For further information on this unique and educational event contact Rod Stewart, Ballarat Science and Engineering Challenge Committee on [email protected] or 0457 648 324.

The Rotary clubs have issued a public invitation to attend the SEC Dinner at the Mercure Ballarat on Monday night 5 August, prior to the Challenge Day.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Science and Engineering Challenge, STEM education and opportunities for study, Innovative solutions being developed in our own backyard or networking with local STEM professionals is invited to attend.