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Hundreds to take science challenge
Almost 500 students from 16 Sunshine Coast high schools will put their scientific and engineering skills to the test at the University of the Sunshine Coast next week.
USC, in conjunction with the Science and Engineering Education Centre (an Education Queensland and USC initiative), will for the first time host and sponsor the annual Sunshine Coast Science and Engineering Challenge on Tuesday 9 March and Wednesday 10 March.
USC Engineering Professor Mark Porter said the national competition series had a proven record of motivating Year 10 students to choose the sciences in senior secondary and higher education.
“Enrolments increase in Year 11 and 12 science subjects in the schools that compete and we expect a flow-on effect to University,” Professor Porter said.
“The fact that USC is hosting the regional event this year is a vote of confidence in our commitment and facilities. It will cement our close ties to high schools in the region.”
USC has introduced a new Bachelor of Civil Engineering in an effort to meet job demand in the growing coastal region.
“With the anticipated growth in population, there is a great need for more engineers to build environmentally-compatible infrastructure,” he said.
Science and Engineering Education Centre (SEEC) director David Thomson said the competition was the first in a range of events that would reach out to all schools in the region.
“Student activities and teacher professional development are priorities for the SEEC, and the Science and Engineering Challenge will become a highlight in the calendar for local schools and for USC over coming years,” Mr Thomson said.
Last year 250 students from the Coast region took part in the challenge, which was won by Kawana Waters State College.
The hands-on experiments and tasks allow students to experience the creative side of science and engineering in a fun atmosphere.
The local event is organised in conjunction with Education Queensland, Rotary, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Engineers Australia and the University of Newcastle. State finals will be held later this year.
Media are welcome to attend the event at USC’s Innovation Centre auditorium on 9-10 March.
– Julie Gatehouse