Issue 4, 2007
Science & Technology
Science and Engineering Challenge comes to Macquarie
The sounds of shooting cannons, collapsing bridges and breaking chairs reverberated through Macquarie University's science precinct last month. But there's no need to be alarmed - it was all part of the fun of the Science and Engineering Challenge (Sydney North West Region).
Four-hundred and fifty Year 10 students from 15 local high schools descended on campus to compete in a battle for science supremacy.
The students conducted hands-on activities and along the way learnt some of the fundamental principles of science, physics and engineering. They built catapults, airships and vehicles that could cross the rugged terrain of Mars. Students also devised efficient electricity infrastructures for towns, used optical fibres to communicate codes, built chairs to support four kilogram babies and constructed cannons.
The grand finale involved the students testing bridges that they had designed and constructed from balsa wood, paddle pop sticks, string and tape. Bridges were tested for strength and their ability to carry a miniature trolley containing 'gold' ingots. Bridges were tested to destruction, but not even the 'bridge-buster' could shake Castle Hill High School's bridge.
Northmead High School and Manly Selective Campus (Northern Beaches Secondary College) were placed first and will compete in the Super Science and Engineering Challenge.
The Science and Engineering Challenge is run nationally by the University of Newcastle. The day was a success thanks to the assistance of Macquarie University science and technology students, Engineers Australia and volunteers from Rotary and Young Scientists of Australia.