Community Outreach

The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment organises a range of community outreach events and programs throughout the year. These events provide students and other community members an opportunity to engage with exciting technology through different activities and learn about the importance of engineering in our everyday lives.

Contact Ryan Jeffery to find out more about our upcoming events or to get involved.

2013 RoboCupJunior, Newcastle Regional Competition

Following the re-birth of the RoboCup junior competition within the hunter region in 2012, the competition will make a return in 2013. However we can’t host a competition without dedicated teachers and parents to help run the event.

The junior league’s focus is education, the event is great way to get students thinking, and learning, about problem solving and new technologies, all while contributing to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics research. Primary and secondary school students are being invited to form a team for the competition, where they will program robots to dance, play soccer and perform rescues.

In 2012 children from 15 primary and secondary schools across the hunter were involved with 53 participating teams and around 250 attending on the day.

To enter a team or for further information contact Ryan Jeffery by phone (02 4921 7997) or email, or visit www.robocupjunior.org.au.

What is Engineering? – Visit us and find out!

Experience Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Newcastle

Mechatronics engineering is an exciting discipline that combines skills from mechanical, electrical and software engineering to design complex systems like robots, vehicles and other autonomous computer controlled systems in industry.

Students and teachers are invited on campus for a 2-hour mechatronics engineering experience. This comprises of the opportunity to come into our labs where we will introduce mechatronics engineering and systems through some interesting and exciting practical activities.

In 2013 there is a wide range of activities for different age groups, ranging from a bungee jumping activity which involves using a high speed camera to record information that the participant will use to calibrate a simulation to participants constructing their own wind turbines that generate electricity, lift weights and pump water. The undertaken activities involve mathematical modelling and computer simulation aided design.

To discuss your student visit contact Associate Professor Tristan Perez (leader of the mechatronics program) at Tristan.perez@newcastle.edu.au or Ryan Jeffery at Ryan.Jeffery@newcastle.edu.au.

Learning and Lego with Electrical Engineering

Students are invited on campus to take part in a Lego mind storm activity with our postgraduate students and academic staff.

The aim of the activity is to give students an idea about electrical engineering as a discipline and career option, and is suited to students in years 9 to 12.

For more information, or to get involved, contact Ryan Jeffery by phone (02 4921 7997) or email.

The Science and Engineering Challenge

The Science and Engineering Challenge is an outreach program conducted nationally by the University of Newcastle. It is designed to inspire students to study science and engineering at a senior level.

Up to 250 students participate in a series of exciting competitive activities on each Challenge day. These activities are designed to demonstrate the varied and practical elements of a career in the science and engineering industries. The Challenge takes the students out of the classroom and gives them a day of fun, teamwork and discovery.

Visit the Science and Engineering Challenge website for more information

Gifted and Talented Program at Merewether High

The Gifted and Talented Program is a University of Newcastle initiative, run in conjunction with Merewether High School (NSW Department of Education and Training), providing a pathway for exceptional students from all high schools to undertake first year university courses while attending school.

Applicants will be considered for admission to a non-award course on the basis of meeting the general requirements such as completing an Expression of Interest, interview and CV submission.

There are no age restrictions however applicants must display a suitable level of maturity and commitment. Further information found on Gifted and Talented Program website under "How to apply."