The Science and Engineering Challenge is a nationwide STEM outreach program presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with communities, Rotary clubs, universities and sponsors.
The Science and Engineering Challenge provides meaningful, hands-on experiences designed to challenge school students to make a difference in the world by choosing a career in Science and Engineering. We address the take up of science and mathematics in senior high school at its foundations by making science and engineering fun… and competitive! The Science and Engineering Challenge has three main segments; Challenge Days for high schools, Discovery Days for primary schools and the SMART Program for preschool to junior high schools. During Challenge and Discovery Days students compete against other schools in fun and engaging hands-on activities involving principles of science, engineering and technology. Typically 8 schools (256 students) compete in a day. School teams are divided into eight groups that compete in one or two activities. The SMART Program runs in-school science shows and workshops as well as holiday workshops and events for students. The program has offerings for students from preschool to junior high school which are interactive and educational. Increasingly popular are SMART’s computer science holiday workshops which run in the NSW school holidays. Professional Development for teachers is also available.