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School-age scientists enjoy a Challenge

June 29, 2004

Science Challengethumjpg.jpgSchool students from throughout New England have experienced the thrill of
being part of a team as it solves a practical science or engineering problem. The 250 students were competing last week [Thursday 24 June] at the University of New England in activities that included designing, building and operating boats, bridges, catapults, and compressed-air “cannons”.
The Armidale Science and Engineering Challenge, held at Sport UNE, was a day-long exercise in creative teamwork. Year 10 students from schools in Armidale, Uralla, Guyra, Walcha, Inverell and Tenterfield (nine schools altogether) took part in the Challenge.

The activities gave the students an enjoyable experience of achievement through cooperation while gaining insight into basic scientific principles.
The annual Science and Engineering Challenge is coordinated by the University of Newcastle throughout the eastern States and South Australia, and is organised locally by committees chaired by Rotary Club representatives. The Regional Chair for the Armidale Challenge is David Steller, of Armidale Central Rotary Club. At the end of the day, Mr Steller presented a trophy of participation to each of the competing schools.
The Armidale School (TAS) finally emerged as the team with the most points. Professor Ingrid Moses, Vice-Chancellor of UNE, presented the TAS team with its winner’s trophy. Professor Moses thanked the University of Newcastle, Engineers Australia, Rotary, and her UNE colleagues for making the day such a success.
TAS will now send a team to the Super Challenge Series, to be held in Newcastle during National Science Week in August.
Last week’s event, one of 23 held at different times across the country, marked the involvement of Armidale / New England for the second year running. (The inaugural Armidale Challenge last year was also held at UNE.)
About 30 UNE lecturers, technical officers and students (supported by Rotary volunteers) were involved in guiding the teams through the activities. Sponsors of the Armidale Challenge included the Dean of UNE’s Faculty of The Sciences, and Engineers Australia.
Dr Sarah Pearson, a lecturer in Physics at UNE who was one of the UNE organisers of the Challenge, said: “The best part of the day is to watch all the students getting involved in the activities, including those who, at the start, were not confident of their ability. By the end of the day they are amazed that they have managed to achieve so much. This helps not only their confidence and enjoyment of science, but also in their personal lives.”
Media contact: Rex Glencross-Grant, School of Environmental Sciences and
Natural Resources Management, UNE, Armidale (02) 6773 2668, Dr Sarah
Pearson, School of Biological, Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, UNE,
Armidale (02) 6773 2061, or Jim Scanlan, Public Relations, UNE, Armidale
(02) 6773 3049.
Photographs are available. Please contact Jim Scanlan on (02) 6773 3049.


Posted by Lydia Roberts at June 29, 2004 12:10 PM