YEAR 10 SCIENCE & ENGINEERING CHALLENENGE - NOWRA HIGH

On Tuesday, Nowra High School buzzed with excitement as Year 10 students participated in the annual Science and Engineering Challenge, an immersive STEM event designed to ignite curiosity, build practical skills, and foster teamwork. The Challenge brought together schools from across the region, giving students the opportunity to test their problem-solving abilities in a range of creative engineering and science-based tasks.

Throughout the day, students tackled a variety of hands-on challenges that highlighted the practical applications of STEM knowledge. Teams were tasked with building a bridge capable of holding weights—a test of not only construction skill but also planning, design, and understanding of physics principles like tension, compression, and load distribution. Meanwhile, the windmill challenge encouraged students to experiment with aerodynamics and energy transfer, requiring an understanding of mechanical design and energy efficiency.

The airplane activity had teams competing to design and launch planes that could achieve the longest and most accurate flight. This task tested their grasp of concepts like lift, drag, and balance, all while encouraging them to refine their designs through trial and error. The eco house challenge asked students to think creatively and practically about sustainable design—considering factors like energy efficiency, environmental impact, and innovative use of materials to create a model home that balanced functionality with sustainability.

In addition to construction challenges, students put their heads together in a circuit-building task that demanded precision, logical thinking, and knowledge of electrical systems to complete working circuits. The timetabling task challenged them to allocate resources effectively, plan schedules, and optimise outcomes—skills that are highly relevant in the real world where time management and prioritisation are essential. The fish traps activity added a cultural and ecological dimension, prompting students to consider traditional engineering solutions and their impact on the environment—highlighting the value of Indigenous knowledge and sustainable practices.

Throughout the day, students demonstrated remarkable teamwork, communication, and resilience. The challenges not only tested their technical skills but also their ability to collaborate under pressure, solve problems creatively, and adapt their ideas when faced with setbacks. These are invaluable skills that will serve them well in any future STEM career—or indeed in any field where critical thinking and adaptability are key.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 10 students who, after a day of intense competition and collaboration, secured an impressive fourth place overall. Their enthusiasm, ingenuity, and hard work shone through in every challenge. The Science and Engineering Challenge continues to inspire students to see the real-world impact of science and engineering, nurturing the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and creative thinkers. We can’t wait to see what our students achieve next!

Mr Charlie Coulson-Knight

Science Leader of Learning