Science and Engineering Challenge

Delivery

On campus

When

See details below

Cohort

Secondary

Where

Hobart, Launceston, Burnie

Capacity

16 to 32 students

About the program

The challenge aims to inspire students to consider a future career in STEM by choosing to study subjects such as maths, physics and chemistry.  By participating in the challenge, students see that science and engineering involves creativity, innovation, problem solving and teamwork.

In Tasmania, the challenge is coordinated by the University of Tasmania in collaboration with the University of Newcastle and is supported by Rotary International Clubs (in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie Tasmania) with generous financial support from the Tasmanian Government, TasWater, Zinfra and the University of Tasmania.

Entry fee

The entry fee is $550 per team (including GST). This fee is collected by Rotary on behalf of the Science and Engineering Challenge team at the University of Newcastle.

Refund Policy:
Refundable: If you notify us of your withdrawal up to 3 weeks prior to your allocated Challenge Day, the registration fee will be fully refunded.
Non-refundable: Any withdrawals made after this period are strictly non-refundable.

How it works

Participating schools select their representative teams of between 16 and 32 students from Years 9 and 10. A total of eight different activities are set for each day, and each school allocates three or four students to each activity.  Teams are divided into eight groups that compete in one full day or two half day activities. The students are encouraged to explore scientific principles for themselves.

• Points are scored and tallied, and the winning school on that day qualifies for the State Final, and that winning team has the opportunity to compete at the National Final. A competitive environment is created as representative school teams are pitted against each other and against the clock in a range of science and engineering tasks.
• Places are limited to eight schools per day and will be allocated on a first-in basis

PLEASE NOTE: for smaller schools that are unable to meet the 16-student minimum, you are encouraged to combine teams with other small schools so as not to miss out!

If you have made arrangements to combine with another school, please include this information on the registration form.

How is the day organised?

• 9:10 AM - Schools arrive at the venue.
• 9:35 AM - Short intro by Team Leader, activities commence immediately afterward.
• 11.30 AM - Lunch.
• 12.00 PM - Afternoon session commences.
• 1:50 PM - Each school tests the bridge they have built in front of everyone.
• 2:30 PM - Event complete, schools depart.

Key dates

• Hobart
  Tuesday 13/05/2025
  Wednesday, 14/05/2025 
  Thursday, 15/05/2025
• Burnie 
  The week of 06/05/2025. Exact date TBC
• Launceston 
  The week of 06/05/2025. Exact dates TBC (2 challenge days)
• State Finals - Hobart
  Monday, 19/05/2025