In August, I accompanied a team of Year 9 and 10 students to Deakin University to take part in the Deakin Science and Engineering Challenge, a nationwide STEM program where students compete in engaging hands-on activities involving the principles of science, engineering, and technology.

We were one of eight schools to compete on the day, with students competing in teams of 3 or 4. Activities included -

• designing an earthquake proof tower
• building a bridge
• providing electricity to a city
• building and testing a glider
• coding

Points were awarded based on performance and the school with the highest score at the end of the day was the winner.

We were able to win 1 of the challenges and came 2^nd in several. Although we did not win overall, we had a great day. Students enjoyed the different activities and showed terrific teamwork and persistence in tackling the challenges.

We went to the Waurn Ponds campus of Deakin University and participated in a STEM and engineering challenge. We were split into groups of 3-4 to compete in a series of challenges against other schools. My group participated in the flight and electric circuit challenges where we came second and then we watched a bridge challenge at the end, and it was a lot of fun.

It was a great experience and we learned a lot, would recommend!

Lewis and Jett