The nation's brightest young minds will be put to the test tomorrow when Southern Cross University hosts the Science and Engineering Challenge National Final.
More than 250 students from eight high schools will travel to the University's Lismore campus (on the NSW North Coast) for the one day event.
Foundation Professor of Engineering Scott Smith said the Science and Engineering Challenge was designed to inspire students.
"Australia, along with the rest of the world, is in a technology era, yet we are facing a shortage of students studying science and engineering in the final years of school and at university who are ready step into the jobs of the future.
"The Challenge's hands-on activities are designed to replicate real-life problems by demonstrating the varied and practical elements of careers in the disciplines of science and engineering, like constructing earthquake-proof buildings and 'green' homes or managing limited electricity and water supplies."
The University's School of Environment, Science and Engineering is proud to be hosting the Science and Engineering Challenge National Final, with support from the Rotary Club of Alstonville, for the first time in 2013.
In a day of teamwork and fun, students will undertake a series of hands-on activities designed to challenge them in the practical elements of science and engineering. The highlight will be the Gold Fever activity where students build a small bridge from balsa, pins, tape and paddle pop sticks. Points are awarded for strength and load carrying capacity.
If you live locally, you're encouraged to visit the Lismore campus to watch the Gold Fever activity followed by the awarding of prizes to the winning school and runners-up. To attend this free event be seated in the Whitebrook Theatre (Y Block), by 1.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday 30th October).
The National Final schools were selected after competing in the regional and super Science and Engineering Challenges throughout the year. They are:
• Applecross Senior High School, Perth - Western Australia
• Bendigo South East College - Victoria
• Henry Lawson High School, Grenfell - New South Wales
• Lismore High School - New South Wales
• Loxton High School - South Australia
• Mount Carmel College, Sandy Bay (Hobart) - Tasmania
• St Columba Anglican School, Port Macquarie - New South Wales
• St Joseph's Nudgee College - Queensland
The Science and Engineering Challenge was developed by the University of Newcastle to encourage high school students' interest in science and engineering.
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