More than 400 students from 15 schools took part in the recent Science and Engineering Challenge at St Edward’s College in East Gosford.
The Challenge is a STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) outreach program, with almost 30,000 Year 9 and 10 students participating annually.
It is presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities and sponsors.
Students experience aspects of science and engineering which they would not usually see in their school environment with the focus on inspiring students to consider a future career in science and engineering.
They competed over two days to tackle eight very diverse challenges, ranging from designing a modern wind turbine to recreating the historic Brewarrina Aboriginal fish traps.
This year a new eco-habitat challenge was added where teams constructed a model of a polar research station which was tested for space, water catchment, wind strength and load-bearing properties.
The Challenge is open to all schools but with a limit of just 16 schools, entry has become somewhat competitive.
Gosford High School and Central Coast Grammar School achieved the highest scores each day.
Funding was received from Star Scientific and from the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist.
St Edward’s College gave free use of their hall and provided tea and lunch to almost 80 volunteers and visiting teachers.
Three VIP guests judged the bridge challenge and addressed the students – Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna and ABC radio host Ian McNamara.
Organiser Barry Henwood, from Gosford Rotary, said the object of the Challenge was to help students select STEM related subjects for Years 11 and 12.
“Without a good maths or scientific background, it is difficult if not impossible to study engineering and science at university,” he said.
Originally a Gosford Rotary venture, the Challenge is now a combined Central Coast Rotary event with eight different clubs providing volunteers.
Magenta Shores Golf and Country Club also provided volunteers to the total of 64 volunteers over the two days.
