Local schools rise to Science and Engineering Challenge

More than 1200 high school students from throughout Brisbane have put their skills to the test in a unique competition which inspires young people to pursue science and engineering careers.

The University of Queensland recently hosted the five-day Science and Engineering Challenge, which brought together year nine and 10 students from across 40 schools to test their ingenuity on a range of competitive activities.

Working in teams, the students designed and built innovative models of eco-friendly homes and bridges, constructed catapults, airships and hovercrafts and effectively managed metropolitan power distribution networks.

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology Professor Graham Schaffer said UQ was very pleased to host the competition, which was an important way to raise the profile of engineering and science with high school students.

“The activities require students to work together in teams to identify and develop novel solutions to problems with limited time and resources, which is how scientists and engineers are required to work in industry and in the laboratory,” Professor Schaffer said.

“The competing students are supervised by UQ engineering students and engineers from industry, who not only provide ‘technical’ advice, but can also provide a window into life at uni and what engineers do on a day-to-day basis.”

Points were allocated for innovation and creativity with top-scoring schools Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School, Brigidine College, Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics & Technology, All Hallows’ School and Forest Lake College qualifying for the Queensland state final in August.

The state final winners will compete in the national final to be held in Bendigo later this year.

Developed by The University of Newcastle, the challenge is aimed at encouraging students to take on advanced mathematics and science streams to address critical skills shortages in the engineering and science fields.

The UQ Science and Engineering Challenge is supported by The University of Queensland, Rotary International, Engineers Australia (Queensland Division), Queensland Department of Main Roads, Education Queensland and Brisbane engineering firms.

Media: Kim Jensen (07 3365 1107, k.jensen@uq.edu.au) or Alice Walker (07 3346 7696, a.walker1@uq.edu.au)