Local students have STEM skills put to the test

Seven local high schools were put to the test on Thursday, March 30 as they used their critical thinking skills and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) knowledge to score as many points as possible in the University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge. 

The challenge which is supported by the Rotary Club of Orange North involves a full day of fun hands-on activities involving principles of STEM and is aimed at inspiring students to consider a future career in the sciences. 

“We have seen a positive influence on the uptake of science and engineering degrees at a university level,” organiser of the event and team leader of the challenge, Chris Hendry said.

The concept of the activities is to immediately engage students in the activity with little theoretical knowledge provided.

Students explore scientific principles for themselves rather than being guided to a predetermined answer.

“They get a little bit of a hint, especially from people who have done it before, but we always try to change the activities each year to try to keep the students on their toes.”

The activities included building an earthquake-proof tower, planning electrical networks, designing a load-bearing bridge and creating a code using light.

Participating schools included Kinross Wolaroi School, James Sheahan Catholic High School, Orange High School, Orange Anglican Grammar School, Orange Christian School, Canobolas High School, and visiting from Dubbo was Macquarie Anglican Grammar School.

The winning team of the load-bearing bridge challenge was Orange Christian School, who walked away with an unbroken bridge, which was described as “a very rare thing — the first one I’ve personally seen this year” by Chris.

The winners of the overall challenge went to Kinross Wolaroi School who earned themselves 1,225 points. Second place went to James Sheahan Catholic High School with 1,193 points. And in third place was Orange Christian School with 1,189 points. Their points will be compared with other schools before it’s determined whether they progress in the national challenge.