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High schools line up for 2009 science and engineering challenge
The Illawarra and South East Science and Engineering Challenge, which last year attracted more than 400 high school students, will be conducting another challenge event at the University of Wollongong on 10 and 11 June.
To date, 14 high schools from around the local region, South Coast and Sydney have now lined up ready to participate. Organisers say there is still a chance for a further two more schools to take part. The aim of the event is to encourage more students to undertake science and mathematics in high schools.
Head of the School of Electrical, Computer and Telecommunications Engineering and Chair of the Challenge Co-ordinating Committee, Professor Fazel Naghdy, said the challenge was a lot of fun for the students who participated and provided them with an insight into the working world of science and engineering. It is run in conjunction with the University of Newcastle
Professor Naghdy said the students were allocated one or two tasks for the day and they were assessed as to how well they completed these tasks and competed with students from other schools.
“The tasks may include building and flying an airship or solving a mystery maze. Every year the University of Newcastle develops new and exciting activities and we choose which activities we will offer at our Illawarra and South East Regional Event,” he said.
“The challenge is not only fun for the students but the local community and industry are also involved. The Rotary Club of Wollongong provides the volunteer supervisors on the day and generous sponsorships are received from local organisations such as Andrew Corporation Pty Ltd and the Integral Energy Power Quality and Reliability Centre.”
Professor Naghdy said that the challenge represents a special opportunity for young people in our community by providing hands-on competitive activities that enable students to experience the creative side of science and engineering in a fun atmosphere.
The challenge is aimed mainly at Year 10 students but Professor Naghdy said schools were welcome to include Year 9 students to make up team numbers.
For further information about school nominations or for details on the types of sponsorships available contact Michelina Bajjada on 4221 3409 or visit: http:www.uow.edu.au/informatics/elec/events/Challenge/index.html
Media please note – for further information contact:
Professor Fazel Naghdy, Regional Chair, Illawarra and South East Science and Engineering Challenge Organising Committee - Phone (02) 4221 3065; or Dr David Stirling, Local Coordinator, Illawarra and South East Science and Engineering Challenge Organising Committee – Phone (02) 4221 3419.