Research

In 2009, the Science and Engineering Challenge involved more than 22,000 students from over 600 schools across Australia. From our survey, past participants in the Challenge said:

  • 93% - Found the Challenge rewarding
  • 84% - Found the Challenge informative about relevant potential careers

Of those students who participated in the Challenge and went on to study science and mathematics in Year 11

  • 25% of those studying Mathematics were influenced by the Challenge to chose this subject
  • 35% of those studying Chemistry were influenced by the Challenge to chose this subject
  • 45% of those studying Physics were influenced by the Challenge to chose this subject

Examples of the positive influence the Challenge has had for those studying at a tertiary level in the fields of science and engineering can be found through the profiles of Ken Latham, Sonya Russell and Sam Croger. The feedback from students and teachers is very encouraging:

 

Student Feedback:

Lismore High School, NSW
“It was a great day, very rewarding. It opened my
eyes to possible career choices. Thank you.”

 St George College, SA
“It has made an influence on what
I would like to study as a career path.”

Werribee Secondary College, VIC
“It made science fun!”

Centenary Heights SHS, QLD
“This Challenge was fun and made me feel
like a science student!”

Boonah State High School. QLD
“I am thinking of being an engineer now!”

Murdoch College, WA
“It gave me an insight to the world of engineering.”

 

Teacher Feedback:

Armidale, NSW
"I would like to say congratulations on a wonderful day. Our students
thoroughly enjoyed their day and I am sure that this day alone has
changed perceptions about science and engineering in their future."

Wollongong, NSW
“Students were engaged in their problems and they had a lovely day.”

Forbes, NSW
“The students enjoyment overcame their level of apprehension.”

Wangaratta, VIC
"A unique opportunity to expose students to a series of challenges of
a real world nature where they had to reach beyond their normal skill sets
and experience."

Port Pirie, SA
“A fantastic co-operative program.”

Adelaide, SA
“Great to see applied science being used in a fun and competitive way.
It’s a great promotion for engineering.”

Darwin, NT
“The students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and learnt a great deal.”

Alice Springs, NT
“It’s fantastic to watch the students really get into it (The Challenge).”