More than 400 of the Central Coast’s brightest students took part in the annual Science and Engineering Challenge at St Edward’s College on June 18-19.
Started in Gosford in 2000 to increase university enrolments in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related courses, the challenge has now spread to every state and territory, with more than 30,000 Year 10 and 9 students participating annually.
The Central Coast students tackled eight very diverse challenges, ranging from designing a modern wind turbine to re-creating the historic Brewarrina fish traps.
There is a clear relationship between the challenges, designed by the University of Newcastle, and future careers in STEM.
Local organiser Barry Henwood said without a good maths background, it was difficult if not impossible to study university engineering.
The Challenge received wonderful support from industry, government and community sources, with funding received from Star Scientific and from the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist.
St Edward’s College provided free use of their hall with tea and lunch for the more than 80 volunteers and visiting teachers.
Headmaster Mark Nicholas said it was a pleasure to support such a project and forecasted ongoing support.
Originally a Gosford Rotary venture, the event is now a combined Central Coast Rotary event with eight clubs providing 65 volunteers over the two days of the challenge.
Schools come from all over the region to take part and with entry limited to just 16, entry has become somewhat competitive.
This year’s winning school was Gosford High, which narrowly defeated St Edward’s College on day one.
Green Point Christian College came out on top on day two, defeating Central Coast Adventist school, but Gosford High, with the best aggregate, will advance to the state final.
Member for Dobell Emma McBride told students that she herself had a science degree and had worked as a pharmacist at Wyong Hospital before entering politics.
She said the future of careers in STEM related subjects was unlimited and the national need well understood.