The Science and Engineering Challenge
The Science and Engineering Challenge, or the Challenge as it is better known, is a national program for junior high school students supported the Department of Education, Science & Training. In this region the Challenge is a joint venture between the University of Newcastle and Rotary District 9650.
It involves up to 320 students, per day, competing in a number of fun, hands-on activities that are designed to provide a positive experience of science and engineering.
The Objectives of the Challenge
To raise awareness of science, engineering and technology in the community.
To provide a vehicle for the local community to be involved in an innovative program that promotes science and engineering.
To increase the participation rates in HSC science, advanced mathematics and engineering studies.
The Organisation
The Challenge is conducted in every state of Australia and competition is conducted at three levels - regional, state and national. Typically, 8 schools per day compete in a single Challenge, with each school providing a team of approx 32 students. These teams are divided into eight groups that compete in one or two activities during the day.
The activities involve principles of science, engineering and technology. The concept is to immediately engage students in the activity with a minimum of introduction and theory. Students explore scientific principles for themselves rather than being guided to a predetermined answer.
The challenge is competitive and the winning schools may go on to represent at the regional, state or national level.
Participation in the Challenge is up to the individual school.
National Youth Science Forum (NYSF)
The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) (previously known as the National Science Summer School) is a program designed to expose year eleven students considering a career in science, engineering and related disciplines to major scientific institutions and researchers. The objective is to enable these students to make more informed choices for their future studies and endeavours.
The Forum is jointly sponsored by Rotary, Universities and the private sector. The Forum is fully residential and takes place over 12 days in January at The Australian National University in Canberra where all facilities are provided for a total cost of $1830.00. The student fee plus sponsorship paid on behalf of each student covers cost of travel from the nearest capital city or major Qantas airport in Australia.
Participants are also given training in time management, interview skills and public speaking.
All activities are fully supervised by student staff and resident Rotary counsellors. The program is extremely intensive with little time for outside activities except for meeting those people already in the program.
Students wishing to attend the Forum must be nominated by a Rotary Club. Click on Contact Us from the above menu to get in touch with a representative from the Rotary Club of Forster on Wallis if you are interested in particpating in this excellent program.