Science and engineering challenge plans to go nationwide

"Every high school student in Australia should have the opportunity to participate in the Science and Engineering Challenge," says Associate Professor John O'Connor, Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences in the Faculty of Science and Information Technology at the University of Newcastle.

The Challenge, designed to increase participation in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, continues to grow each year with over 3,000 students taking part in 2002, and plans to expand its success nationwide.

Federal Science Minister Peter McGauran says "Science and Engineering is the foundation of innovation which is the key to Australia's future prosperity. The Science and Engineering Challenge represents a commitment to the future growth of the enabling sciences throughout Australia".

Assoc. Prof. O'Connor says "The NSW Board of Studies figures show that for schools which participate in the Challenge, there is a dramatic turn around in the participation in the enabling sciences in secondary schools. This is a direct result of the Challenge and its presentation of what a career in Science and Engineering entails".

"The Challenge has been responsible for turnarounds of 40% in year 11 Physics enrolments, 20% in Chemistry and 25% in Extension Mathematics in its first year. There is no other program succeeding at this level to address the declining participation in the enabling sciences in Australia," says Assoc. Prof. O'Connor.

The Science and Engineering Challenge is the brainchild of the Faculty of Science and Information Technology and the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment at the University of Newcastle.

The program is aimed at year 10 students combining a range of fun and interesting activities, from building a robot to solving a virtual maze. Students work in teams to solve problems with points awarded for each activity, the top scoring team wins the Challenge.

"We plan to take the Science and Engineering Challenge to schools nationwide and we will be working with the federal government, state government and sponsors to achieve the same results nationally," concludes Assoc. Prof. O'Connor.

Item provided courtesy of The University of Newcastle