Zinfra supports the Bendigo Science and Engineering Challenge
Ever built a bridge using balsa wood? Or used sticky tape to secure a building against an earthquake threat? (hopefully not).
These were just some of the real-world challenges students from six schools across regional Victoria completed as part of the Bendigo Science and Engineering Challenge.
A staple of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) calendar, Zinfra was proud to sponsor the challenge this year, with Rod Hughan and Neil Sequeira from our TOMSA team being given the difficult job of judging the event’s winners in August.
Together, Rod and Neil judged the Bridge Building Challenge and used their expertise to award points to the strongest bridge on the day.
“It was great to see so many students display excitement and energy towards solving the real-life scenarios they were tasked with. I’m excited to think that for some young people this experience may spark a real desire to pursue a future career in science and engineering," said Rod.
At the end of the day, Rod Hughan presented the overall winner’s trophy to Bendigo South East College which accumulated the highest points across all the challenges.
The Bendigo Science and Engineering Challenge is designed to spark interest in STEM subjects by challenging students to complete a range of hands-on design-and-build activities. Tasks included:
Constructing a bridge with balsa wood, string and sticky tape to hold a moving model train that weighs 9kg.
Managing the grid for electricity transmission and distribution while responding to different scenarios.
Constructing a tower with balsa wood and sticky tape to be placed on a seismic earthquake simulator.
Creating a planning game to simulate scheduling a public transport timetable.
Our involvement in the program is another great example of our We Care value.
Well done to all involved and thanks to Rod and Neil for representing the Group.
