MORE than 150 students from eight South East secondary schools went head to head in the annual Science and Engineering Challenge at Tenison Woods College.
Schools competed for points in a number of science, technology, engineering and mathematics related challenges, including designing, constructing and testing water turbines, catapults, towers, bridges, robotic hands and an efficient power network.
The challenge last Friday relied on the contribution of volunteers, including more than 30 event judges and helpers – many from the sponsoring organisations and the Mount Gambier Rotary clubs.
Students were encouraged to explore scientific principles for themselves rather than being guided to a pre-determined answer.
The Science and Engineering Challenge aims to encourage students in Year 10 to consider a career in science and engineering by choosing to study the enabling sciences and mathematics in Year 11 and 12.
Grant High School was the overall winner with Bordertown High placing second and Tenison Woods College third.
Schools taking part in the event included Bordertown, Grant, Mount Gambier, Naracoorte and Penola high schools, Kingston Community School and St Martins Lutheran and Tenison Woods colleges.
The Science and Engineering Challenge is presented by The University of Newcastle in conjunction with the City of Mount Gambier, Grant District Council, University of South Australia and TAFE SA, in addition to other supporters.
