Science and Engineering state champions to compete nationally
20 July 2023
Our Lady of Mercy College, Australind science and engineering students will take their skills to the national stage after winning the WA Science and Engineering Challenge competition held in May.
The thirty-two Year 9 and 10 students beat out entries from across the State to earn an invitation to the upcoming finals in Sydney this October.
The Science and Engineering Challenge is a hands-on competition, organised by the University of Newcastle, challenging the participants to envision a future in science and engineering.
The students worked in groups, taking part in activities which covered a wide range of engineering activities, such as designing an earthquake-proof tower, constructing a hovercraft or bridge, generating electricity for a city, or creating an eco-friendly home.
In the electro-city challenges, the group was the only team to complete all the stages of the challenge.
Zahara Winters, Year 9 said, ‘This experience to represent our school in New South Wales is an amazing opportunity for us. We can represent our college as state champions and then hopefully return as national winners. We are excited for the challenge and thankful for our amazing teachers for making it happen for us.’
Arlen Pallett, Year 9 said, ‘We competed in several STEM-related activities, which we all did well in. After placing first on the day, we were very thrilled and happy about the amazing experience. Soon after, we received the news that we would have the wonderful opportunity to go to Sydney to compete against top schools across Australia.
‘The Science and Engineering Challenge has provided us with amazing work opportunities and further encouraged us to go along the STEM pathway. I thank the school for providing us with this fantastic opportunity.’
