Students rise to the challenge at USQ
STUDENTS from St Ursula’s College and Toowoomba Grammar School have done their schools proud with a top-four finish in the Queensland Science and Engineering Super Challenge.
The two schools faced off against the best schools in the state at USQ Springfield last week with Maryborough-based Riverside Christian College crowned state champion.
Eight schools from as far afield as Townsville vied for the top spot during a full-day of competition.
Toowoomba Grammar finished with the fourth highest score at the end of the Challenge, while St Ursula’s went one better to claim the final podium spot.
About 250 Year 10 students took part in activities such as building bridges, wiring cities, constructing an earthquake-proof tower, designing Mars rovers and creating bionic hands.
Using basic materials like rubber bands, straws, paddle pop sticks and tape, students were encouraged to explore scientific and engineering principles with points awarded to teams based on their problem solving skills and creativity.
It is hoped the Challenge will encourage students to continue learning about these topics in the future.
USQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said the competition was an important way to promote innovation and teamwork, as well as address the critical skills shortages in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fields.
“The competition provided a great chance to see some of the state’s brightest young minds putting their passion and enthusiasm for science to good use while learning first-hand about the skills required to succeed in a career in STEM,” Professor Mackenzie said.
“USQ is a proud supporter of this event which provides an important means to inspiring students to pursue a career in these fields.”
The Queensland Science and Engineering Super Challenge was presented by The University of Newcastle, proudly supported by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Engineers Australia and USQ.