Bright sparks drawn to engineering

There was plenty of good natured rivalry when students from 16 South West high schools went head-to-head during the annual Science and Engineering Challenge last week.

Teams of Year 9 students took part in the competition comprising a series of activities which required students to use their science and maths skills.

Picture by David Bailey: Year 9 Bunbury Catholic College student Katie Booth shows a winning smile after participating in the Science and Engineering Challenge

The activities included challenges such as building a hovercraft, constructing a ‘‘Mars’’ buggy and designing an electrical distribution grid.

Year 9 Bunbury Catholic College student Katie Booth said the event had opened up new possibilities for her.

‘‘I used to think that engineering was really boring, but actually it could be quite an interesting career path,’’ she said.

Engineers Australia South West chairman Stephen Woodhouse said the challenge gave students practical examples of the usefulness of science and mathematics in the real world.

‘‘It encourages students to then consider maintaining their maths and science in the final years of their education at high school,’’ Mr Woodhouse said.

Scored separately over two days, Bunbury Catholic College and Margaret River Senior High School finished first and will take part in the State competition.