From fish traps to wind farms
SCIENCE, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) – so we are told – are the future of our prosperity and economic growth.
Supporting this admirable goal; country kids were recently offered the chance to try-out their skills in a competitive and fun environment; while learning at the same time.
Rotary clubs of Dubbo and surrounding towns, recently ran a highly-successful 2024 Western Plains Science and Engineering Challenge.
Held in conjunction with the University of Newcastle for the past two decades; this year’s Challenge at Dubbo Showground, again involved Rotarians and other volunteers coordinating a series stimulating activities for secondary and primary school teams from around the region.
“The students were given Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (Stem)-based challenges which required them to design solutions, try them out, and improve them on the basis of what they learned from their first attempt,” a spokesperson for the event said.
“This year, two new activities were introduced, which have special local relevance,” they added.
The two new challenges, they explained included one based on very ancient engineering, the other, some very modern concepts.
“Fish Traps, was based on the Aboriginal technology of the Brewarrina fish traps, while ‘Wind Turbine’, gave students practical understanding of the design of wind turbines, like those being constructed at Uungula wind farm near Wellington.” the spokesperson explained.
“In both activities, students were successful in finding ways to improve their designs, after testing their prototypes.”
Local business sponsors of the Challenge also joined Rotarians and friends at dinner on Wednesday night with spokesman from Squadron Energy – who are developing the 69-turbine Uungula wind farm – offering insights into what it will achieve for renewable energy and the local community.
“Everyone had fun attempting the challenges they were given, including to build a flying-fox to safely transport an egg as far and as fast as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“No disasters occurred, and only one team was caught attempting to break the rules!”
Secondary school teams, totalling about 320 students, came from Dubbo Christian School; St Mary’s, Wellington, St John’s College, Dubbo; Macquarie Anglican Grammar; Narromine High, a combined Trangie, Tullamore, and Tottenham team; the Leadership Academy; Coolah Central; Dubbo College – South campus; Mudgee High; and Coonamble High.
Primary school teams, totalling about 440 pupils, included from Warren Central; Dubbo West Public; Gulgong Public; Narromine Public; Dubbo Public; St Lawrence’s, Dubbo; and a Eumungerie, Wongarbon, and Geurie combined schools’ team.
“We thank all the volunteers and sponsors involved in the organisation and running of the Challenge this year,” the Rotary spokesperson said.
“We look forward to running it again in 2025,” they concluded.