Townsville to host hundreds of budding scientists

For the first time in its 10-year history, the Queensland State Science and Engineering Challenge will be held in North Queensland.

Townsville to host hundreds of budding scientists

First published September 4, 2013

For the first time in its 10-year history, the Queensland State Science and Engineering Challenge will be held in North Queensland.

The Challenge, which will take place from September 11 to 13 at James Cook University, is run in conjunction with the University of Newcastle’s Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment.

It is designed to give the participating students, who are in Year 10, a more realistic view of what a career in science, engineering and technology would involve.

The three-day event will be held at JCU’s University Halls on its Townsville campus.

Regional Chair of the North Queensland Challenge Coordinating Committee, JCU’s Vivian Doherty said while the North Queensland version of the Challenge was held in Townsville in April, it was a coup to be hosting the state final.

“We have almost 500 students from all over the state participating, including three schools from our region – Home Hill State High School, Ignatius Park College and Mareeba State High School,” Ms Doherty said.

Each day the different schools will compete against each other in a range of hands-on activities, which include Mission to Mars, Future Power, Puff Puff Golf & Flight of the Navigator.

Ms Doherty said all activities were designed to show students how science was both fun and practical.

“The Challenge is a fun event where students are able to experience the practical side of science and engineering,” she said.

“We need to inspire young people and show them that creativity is an integral part of any career in science and engineering.”

The winning school from each day will compete in the national final later in the year.

Competing schools, in the three-day order:

Aldridge State High School	Fraser Coast
Mareeba State High School	Cairns
Murgon State High School	South Burnett
St. Joseph's College	Darling Downs
St. Joseph's Nudgee College	Brisbane North
Gin Gin High School	Bundaberg
Murrumba State Secondary College	Caboolture
Assumption College	Darling Downs

St. Peter's Lutheran College	Brisbane West
Home Hill State High School	Townsville
Kelvin Grove State College	Brisbane
Toowoomba SHS, Mt Lofty Campus	Darling Downs
Sunshine Beach State High School	Sunshine Coast
Boonah State High School	Brisbane South
St. Hilda's School	Gold Coast
Lismore High School	Northern Rivers

Chancellor State College	Sunshine Coast
Ignatius Park College	Townsville
Oakey State High School	Darling Downs
St. John's Anglican College	Brisbane North
Brisbane Boy's College	Brisbane
Trinity Lutheran College	Gold Coast
Rivermount College	Brisbane South
Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School	Northern Rivers

Ms Doherty said JCU was looking for local volunteers to support the Challenge and be involved.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Vivian Doherty on 4781 6807.

Dates: Wednesday September 11 – Friday September 13

Location: JCU University Halls, Townsville campus

For interviews, contact Vivian Doherty on (07) 4781 6807

Photo/film opportunities

Photo opportunities can be arranged. The best times for photos will be between 9am and 10am each day, after the lunch break around 1.00pm or at 2.30 pm when the final activity (the balsa wood bridge) is tested.

JCU Media contact: Caroline Kaurila (07) 4781 4586 or 0437 028 175