Science students from Year 10 at Rutherford Technology High School excelled at the Newcastle Science and Engineering Challenge 2007, bringing home the overall trophy for “Champion School”.
A joint venture between the University of Newcastle and the Rotary Clubs of the Greater Newcastle area, the challenge is supported by Young Scientists Australia, Engineers Australia, and Young Engineers Australia.
The Challenge is a set of fun and competitive events involving principles of science, engineering and technology. The aim of the Challenge is to encourage junior students to study science at HSC level and to consider Science as a future career pathway.
With over 250 students from schools across the Hunter region participating on the day, students from Rutherford Technology High School worked in teams to solve the range of problems they were faced with. These included using their own choice of materials to design and build a bridge, creation of a catapult using a selection of materials, making a hovercraft involving electrical circuits, making a plane complete with motors and use of helium balloons, and the design of a propeller to drive a train – with the added challenge of being able to control the train when travelling at speed.
Principal Paul Tracey says “The success of our students in a Science Challenge of this calibre reflects the excellence of the work being done in the Science faculty at Rutherford Technology High School”. “Science lessons encourage “hands on” participation that brings theory to life with practical, every day applications”. “We are very proud of our students’ achievement in winning the “Champion School” trophy”.
The students will now progress to the regional level of the Challenge.