Primary schools to compete in annual science and engineering competition

The popular Northern Rivers Science and Engineering Challenge has been expanded in 2014 to include primary schools for the first time.

Just like the Science and Engineering Challenge for high school students, the Discovery Day aims 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.

This year the Northern Rivers Science and Engineering Challenge, which runs on June 11 to 12 at the Southern Cross University Lismore campus, will involve year 9 and 10 students from 16 high schools from the Tweed and Woodenbong in the north to Grafton in the south.

With each completed activity earning points for the school’s team, Lismore High (2013 Day 1 winner) will be out to retain its winner’s trophy in the Challenge event.

Eight primary schools will compete in the Northern Rivers Discovery Day on Friday June 13.

Professor Jerry Vanclay, head of the University’s School of Environment, Science and Engineering, said both the Challenge and the Discovery Day were practical days of fun, teamwork and discovery.

“The students get to participate in a range of hands-on activities designed to demonstrate the varied and practical elements of science, technology and engineering. For example, Bridge, Stringways, Helter Skelter Shelter and Eco-Habitech give students a taste of some of the real-life problems they could face as our scientists and engineers of the future.

“We are pleased to welcome the region’s junior students to the campus to participate in the Discovery Day and give them a taste of science in action. We hope the activities inspire them to consider being a scientist or engineer when they grow up.”

Participating high schools:

Wednesday June 11: Alstonville High School, Byron High School, Cape Byron Steiner School, Casino Christian School, Evans River K-12 Community School, Grafton High School, Kadina High School, and Woodenbong Central School.

Thursday June 12: Banora Point High School, Emmanuel Anglican College, Lindisfarne Anglican School, Lismore High School, McAuley Catholic College, St Mary's Catholic College, Trinity Catholic College, and Richmond River High School.

Participating primary schools:

Friday June 13: Albert Park Public School, Bexhill Primary, Emmanuel Anglican College, Evans River K-12 Community School, Goonellabah Public School, Lismore South Public School, Southern Cross K-12 School, and St Carthage's Primary School.

The Northern Rivers Science and Engineering Challenge has been hosted by Southern Cross University and the Rotary Club of Alstonville since 2007.
Photo: (left to right) Laura Daffy, Jess Johnson and Hollie Clark from Kadina High School complete the Catapult activity during the 2013 Northern Rivers Science and Engineering Challenge.