The Science and Engineering Challenge Day

The Science and Engineering Challenge is an annual competition that travels across the entire country throughout the year with wickedly simple yet challenging activities that test students’ ability to solve real life problems.

Throughout COVID-19 lockdowns, it has been difficult for the Challenge to secure a date for the Sunshine Coast.  Initially, it was to be run at the start of the year but had to be rescheduled and was held at the start of Term 3. 

This day-long competition is designed to provide Year 10 (or Year 9) high school students with a positive experience of science and engineering through a range of activities.  Each school had teams of 2-4 competing in 9 different activities.  Pacific Lutheran College competed on the first day of the competition and was successful in taking home the Champion School trophy for this day.

The Year 10 STEM class, led by Mrs Marnie Whittaker was divided into teams that were based on the students’ ability to collaborate, communicate and problem solve.  The competition was tight throughout the day. Pacific Lutheran College won the day with a margin of 10 points over its nearest rivals.  The highlight of the day was seeing the tenacity and teamwork of all members of this amazing class, especially in those activities which appeared beyond them.

This outcome is only possible through the great work of the students and the wonderful teaching by the staff in the Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology departments, Mrs Marnie Whittaker and Mrs Claire Richards.

Mr Wes Warner, Head of Department – Innovation, Entrepreneurialism and Business