Brisbane high school students rise to science and engineering challenge

More than 1000 high school students put their science and engineering know-how to the test during the 2011 UQ Science and Engineering Challenge held recently at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus.

The annual UQ Science and Engineering Challenge allows high school students to gain hands-on science and engineering experience, inspiring them to pursue careers in these fields.

Students from 31 Brisbane high schools participated in UQ’s 2011 Science and Engineering Challenge across four separate days of competition.

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology (EAIT), Professor Graham Schaffer, said UQ was pleased to help raise the profile of science and engineering professions with Brisbane high school students by offering the challenge.

“The Science and Engineering Challenge requires students to work in teams to develop engineering solutions to problems and to create innovative ways to resolve issues.

“The competing high school students are supervised by engineering students from UQ who not only provide assistance with the activities, but can also answer questions about UQ’s programs in science and engineering and what it’s like to study at the University,” Professor Schaffer said.

Working in teams, students competed in activities including building bridges and vehicles, simulating power distribution and developing a state-of-the-art Eco Habitech house required to withstand global warming, floods, droughts, fire and extreme temperatures.

Points were awarded to schools for their innovation and creativity, with St Pauls School, Mt St Michael’s College, Northside Christian College and St John’s College declared the winners of each day of competition respectively.

The four winning schools will go on to compete in the Queensland Science and Engineering Challenge State Final to be held later in the year.

The Faculty of EAIT’s Engineering Marketing Manager Trent Leggatt said the annual Science and Engineering Challenge was always a great success and was strongly supported by high school science teachers.

“The Science and Engineering Challenge is just one of many ways high school students can get involved in engineering throughout the year at UQ, providing a fun and competitive learning environment,” Mr Leggatt said.

The challenge was developed by The University of Newcastle, and aims to encourage students to study advanced mathematics and science subjects at senior and tertiary levels.

Media: Trent Leggatt, t.leggatt@uq.edu.au, or The Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology’s Madelene Flanagan, m.flanagan@uq.edu.au or 3365 8525.