Engineering and IT Events

Science and engineering challenge

It’s not every day you get to build a giant catapult and not get in to trouble for firing it!  Year 10 students from the Geelong region and Warrnambool are taking part in this year’s Engineering and Science challenge that will see them design, create and build a variety of projects.  The challenge is to be held at Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Campus on Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd April.

Around 400 students from schools around the region will have the chance to participate in a range of activities showing them that science is anything but dull.  Over two days, they will be actively involved in a range of activities from building bridges, solving a virtual maze to constructing and firing a catapult.  There is a combination of full day and half day activities.  The action packed Challenge gives students an insight into the principles involved in science, engineering and technology.

School of Engineering and Information Technology Head of School Professor Kate Smith-Miles said the event aimed to generate enthusiasm for science and engineering to redress skills shortages in the industries.

“Without enough engineering graduates coming out of universities, our society will struggle to meet the demands we place on it - demands for solutions to our water crisis, to improved roads and transportation, to improved efficiency of manufacturing, to better design of products and technologies,” she said.

“With severe skills shortages growing in engineering, it is critical that we encourage school students to consider studying engineering at university.”

“Part of the problem in attracting students to study Engineering is that many students don't know what it is. There is no such subject as VCE Engineering. The Science and Engineering Challenge is a great forum for students to get exposed to the field of engineering and appreciate how important the problems that engineers solve are to our society,” she said.

The challenge is held across Australia and at the end of the year the top eight schools battle it out in the Grand Challenge Gold final.

The Science and Engineering Challenge was first held at the University of Newcastle eight years ago to introduce students to the possibilities of science and engineering.  The Geelong event is held in partnership between Deakin University, Rotary club of Queenscliff and regional secondary schools.  This year’s main sponsor is the Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VRCA).  Based in Geelong, the VRCA oversees the operation of channels and port waters.  Providing safe marine services to the regional commercial ports of Geelong, Hastings and Portland, which outside of Melbourne are the largest in Victoria and amongst the busiest in Australia. 

Further information can be found on the Science and Engineering Challenge website