Bright sparks put to test
Schools compete in challenge
STUDENTS from St Ursula’s College and Toowoomba Grammar School will take on the best schools in the state when they compete in the Queensland Science and Engineering Super Challenge next week.
The two Toowoomba schools were selected for the state final at USQ Springfield on September 6 after outstanding performances at the Darling Downs regional final at USQ Toowoomba in May.
The Science and Engineering Challenge aims to encourage students in Year 10 to consider a future career in science and engineering by choosing to study science and mathematics subjects at senior high school and tertiary levels.
Students work together in teams to develop creative and innovative solutions to a range of engineering problems with limited time and resources.
Tasks include wiring up a virtual city, constructing an earthquake-proof tower and building a small bridge from balsa, pins, tape and paddle pop sticks.
USQ interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Janet Verbyla said USQ was pleased to host the competition, which was an important way to address critical skills shortages in the engineering and science fields.
“The competition provides an ideal opportunity for students to learn first-hand about the skills required to succeed in a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths),” Professor Verbyla said.
“It is a great way for students to put their creativity, innovation and teamwork skills into practice, and dispel some of the myths surrounding STEM.”
The top-scoring school will compete in the National Final to be held in Dubbo on November 3.
For more information, visit www.usq.edu.au/science-engineeringchallenge.