Dripstone Middle School science and engineering champions Tuesday, 03 May 2016

Dripstone Middle School has claimed first prize at the 2016 Darwin Science & Engineering Challenge.

The Challenge is recognised as an innovative way of raising young people’s awareness of the career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).  It involves a series of activities based on the principles of science, engineering and technology such as the Mission to Mars, and the Helter Skelter Shelter earthquake simulator in a fun competitive environment. 

“Through the provision of a meaningful, hands-on experience we aim to challenge more young people to make a difference in the world by choosing a career in science and engineering,” said Mark Monaghan, event organiser and General Manager of Engineers Australia’s Northern Division.

“Engineers Australia supports The Challenge as it complements our strategic priority to focus on Tomorrow’s Engineers, promoting engineering as a career and increasing the community awareness of the engineering profession.”

Hosted over two days at Charles Darwin University, with the Power and Water Science & Engineering Challenge on 26 April and the INPEX Science & Engineering Challenge on 27 April, around 400 students from thirteen schools competed for the title.

Dripstone Middle School was crowned overall champion for receiving the most points over the two days, as well as winning day one of the competition. The results for the competition were:

Power and Water Science & Engineering Challenge:
1st place: Dripstone Middle School
2nd place: The Essington School Darwin
3rd place: Mararra Christian College

INPEX Science & Engineering Challenge:
1st place: Sanderson Middle School
2nd place: Darwin Middle School
3rd place: Mararra Christian School

Darwin Science & Engineering Challenge:
Overall winner: Dripstone Middle School

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) College will represent the state in the national competition after winning the Alice Springs Science & Engineering Challenge and receiving more points than Dripstone.

Over 200,000 people have participated in a Challenge event since its humble beginnings in 2000. Last year over 18,500 high school students competed in The Challenge and 5,500 primary students experienced science and engineering in the Discovery Days. These events involved 889 schools, almost 3,000 volunteers and dozens of businesses, universities, community and professional groups.

Mr Monaghan on behalf of the Darwin Science & Engineering Challenge wishes to thank all those involved in the events, in particular the University of Newcastle, Charles Darwin University, INPEX, Power and Water Corporation, and the many members of Engineers Australia who volunteered their time to assist the students.