The bridge-building skills of Keira High students came to the fore at this year’s Illawarra and South East Region Science and Engineering Challenge.
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Held at the University of Wollongong on Tuesday and Wednesday, the challenge brought together 500 year 9 and 10 students from 15 schools to test their design and construction skills.
Among the tasks, the teams had to construct a small hovercraft from motorised propulsion units, build an Eco-Habitech model home, and create a tall earthquake-proof tower using only basic materials, sound engineering principles and ingenuity.
It was in the final challenge – constructing a bridge that is then stress-tested – that the Keira High team showed its champion qualities.
‘‘It was a very exceptional bridge,’’ event organiser Peter Fullager said. ‘‘It took the top weight.’’
Keira High was the highest-scoring team in Tuesday’s competition while Illawarra Christian School won Wednesday’s event. Keira scored highest overall though and will represent the region in the state finals in Newcastle at the end of August.
The national event, run by the University of Newcastle, is designed to encourage teenagers to consider science or engineering careers.
The Challenge director from the University of Newcastle, Dr Terry Burns, said the event demonstrated creativity was vital.
‘‘Scientists and engineers investigate and solve problems. And while theory is a vital part of this work, it is just as important to be innovative and creative,’’ he said.