ME Program partner schools this year dominated the Science and Engineering Challenge National Finals held at the University of Newcastle. The Challenge, which this year saw more than 20,000 students participate Australia-wide, promotes mathematics, physics and chemistry to senior school students. It encourages students to explore scientific principles for themselves rather than being guided to a predetermined answer.
The Science and Engineering Challenge 2015 National Final is the culmination of a year’s worth of work by 700 schools nationally who enter teams to compete in demanding science and engineering-based activities.
“The Science and Engineering Challenge is a key partner activity for the ME Program. It epitomises the work we are doing to promote STEM participation in Hunter schools by encouraging students to apply STEM to problem solve.” said RDA Hunter’s ME Program Director, Dr Scott Sleap.
“We are absolutely delighted that three of the eight national finalists this year are ME Program Hunter based schools. The results are testament to the fact that Hunter students are benefiting from the hands-on, industry focused curriculum that the ME Program is delivering.” continued Dr Sleap.
“Successful STEM education is a key focus for Newcastle and the Hunter.” said Dr Terry Burns, Director of the Science and Engineering Challenge, University of Newcastle.
“The interest in STEM by Hunter students continues to grow because of successful programs like our Science and Engineering Challenge and RDA Hunter’s ME Program which are contributing to the outstanding results we are seeing in the uptake of STEM subjects.” Dr Burns continued.