By Ann Marie Angebrandt
SCIENCE and maths are neither difficult nor for nerds.
That’s the message Victoria University (VU) promoted last week as it brought together 700 Year 9 and 10 students from across Melbourne to compete in its annual science and engineering challenge.
Organiser Ian Campbell, VU’s course director in architectural and building engineering, said the event was designed to encourage students into science fields before they made key career choices.
“These hands-on workshops are designed to promote a positive feeling about science, engineering and maths,” he said.
“Year 10 especially is a critical career decision year.”
The three-day event involved students from 26 schools, including Keilor Downs College, Gilmore College for Girls, and Werribee Secondary College.
The students rotated between eight stations, determining the best way to supply and distribute energy to a model city, fly helium airships, build bridges, sail yachts, and experiment with energy-absorbing chairs.
“The principals they are learning can be very involved, but the applications are quite easy.”
Mr Campbell said VU’s partners in the annual event were the University of Newscastle – which put together all the projects – and Engineers Australia.
“Sometimes schools send their best science students because they’re already committed,” he said.
“But it’s equally valuable to send students who aren’t so keen, because this might help them change their perceptions.”
This is the third year VU has held the competition.
“Through this challenge, we’re demonstrating that maths and science can lead to exciting careers, and are not boring or nerdy pursuits,” Mr Campbell said.
Winning schools from each day were eligible to compete in a super challenge to be held in mid-2006.
