Australia’s next generation of engineering talent showcased their skills last week as more than 250 high school students from across the country converged for the 2024 Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) national final.
The career-inspiring event, presented by the University of Newcastle in collaboration with other universities, is designed to give budding scientists and engineers a taste of real-world problem-solving by pushing students’ creativity and technical skills in a competition of wit, teamwork, and innovation.
Held over two days at James Cook University (JCU), the SEC finals provided students with a unique opportunity to move beyond the classroom, tackling challenges inspired by real-life engineering and scientific dilemmas.
Teams raced against the clock to build structures, solve design puzzles, and strategise through practical tasks in a challenge that helps build the foundations for future career success.
University of Newcastle SEC team leader Lisa Campbell says that the competition was about giving future STEM students hands-on experience, which can be hard to replicate in school labs.
“Future STEM students can experience the hands-on and practical nature of engineering, which may not always be possible in a classroom setting,” she says.
“This can spark inspiration in the students, prompting them to consider STEM study paths as an option.”
Campbell says the opportunity for students to be around like-minded people and work with those within STEM industries allows them to explore potential career opportunities they are yet to consider.
“Students also have the opportunity to interact with young people working or studying in the STEM industries, as the volunteers running the activities are often involved directly in STEM careers.
“This can show the students STEM careers previously unknown and provide a direct pathway of how to get to that career.”
Contest constructs student confidence
Historically, the SEC has positively impacted students’ study choices, particularly when it comes to traditionally challenging subjects they may otherwise have lacked the confidence to enrol in.
62 per cent of students who chose to study senior physics said participating in the challenge influenced their decision. In comparison, 63 per cent reported the same about their choice to study engineering.
Meanwhile, nearly three-quarters of all students surveyed said they had a greater insight into possible STEM careers since taking part in the SEC. At the same time, more than half felt greater confidence in their STEM abilities post-participation.
More than half of the teachers agreed that their students had improved their STEM confidence post-participation, while 99.7 per cent said they would recommend the SEC to other students and schools.
Ultimately, Wollongong-based Smiths Hill High School took home the top prize, out-engineering 876 schools and 964 teams from across the country vying for the top spot.
However, the SEC isn’t just about winning or losing—it’s about experimenting and learning through trial and error, an essential skill in any STEM field.
“Our advice for future students of the Science and Engineering Challenge is to just have a go! Engineers and scientists working in the STEM field are constantly experimenting and learning through trial and error,” Campbell says.
“The students taking part in our challenges should do the same, work as a team and test out their ideas. The main thing that we aim for at our events is for students to be engaged and have fun – that’s what STEM is all about!”
