Young Einsteins grow Science and Engineering Challenge to a three-day event

The region is bursting with young Einsteins, as a record number of high schools line up for this week’s 2015 Northern Rivers Science and Engineering Challenge, which starts tomorrow (June 2).

Students from 22 high schools will be competing in the event which has been expanded to three days, June 2 to 4, to accommodate interest from Tweed and Woodenbong in the north, Grafton in the south and west to Kyogle.

The Challenge, held at Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus, sees school teams complete several hands-on activities designed to demonstrate the varied and practical elements of science, technology and engineering.

The Northern Rivers Science and Engineering Challenge started as a one-day event with eight schools in 2007, growing to 14 schools over two-days in 2011 and in 2015 22 schools.

Foundation Professor of Engineering at Southern Cross University Scott Smith said the Challenge gave Years 9 and 10 students a taste of some of the real-life problems they would solve as our scientists and engineers of the future.

“The importance of immersing our young generation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) experiences cannot be understated. Immersion in an engaging, fun and practical way can be achieved through the Northern Rivers Science and Engineering Challenge and the Northern Rivers Discovery Day at Southern Cross University.

“We are pleased to expand the Challenge to three days to account for the overwhelming interest in science, technology and engineering from the region’s schools,” said Professor Smith.

Primary schools students will be converging on the University on Friday June 5 for a junior version of the Challenge, the 2015 Northern Rivers Discovery Day, after last year’s inaugural event. Eight primary schools are competing.

Discovery Day is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experiences that challenge young people in Years 5 and 6 to make a difference in the world by choosing a career in science and engineering.

Both events are hosted by Southern Cross University and the Rotary Club of Alstonville, with thanks to supporters:

Platinum Sponsors: Hutchinson Builders, Sunshine Sugar.

Gold Sponsors: Engineers Australia Newcastle Division, Environmental Analysis Laboratory, Roads and Maritime Services, Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, Vice Chancellor of Southern Cross University.

Silver Sponsors: Ballina Shire Council, SCU Engineering.

Bronze Sponsors: Lismore City Council, Richmond Waste, Rous Water, Spinaze Consulting Structural and Civil Engineers, Ardill, Payne & Partners, Tweed Shire Council.
Photo: John Card, Codie Amos and Terry Farquhar from Woodenbong Central School at the 2014 Northern Rivers Science and Engineering Challenge.