Students from 24 schools across NSW will converge on Newcastle tomorrow to take part in a massive three-day science and engineering challenge.

More than 800 students from the Northern NSW Challenge Zone which includes Broken Hill, Narrabri, Armidale, Kempsey and the Central Coast will join Year 10 students from several local high schools for the Northern NSW 2009 Science and Engineering Super Challenge.

The students will compete in a range of activities including 'Escape from the lost world' (using a range of materials to construct and fly an airship), 'Eco Habitech' (building a model building which is tested for its thermal efficency, ability to harvest rain water and withstand strong winds), and the 'World Sailing Spectacular' (making sails and rigging for a boat).

The Super Challenge is the culmination of a series of regional Science and Engineering Challenges run across Northern NSW. Schools are competing for a place in the Grand Challenge, the national championships, to be held in Bendigo in October.

The Science and Engineering Challenge was developed by the Faculty of Science and Information Technology and the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment at the University of Newcastle to influence young people to continue their studies in the enabling sciences.

The Challenge provides the opportunity for students to be a scientist or engineer for the day.

University of Newcastle Challenge Team Leader, Bob Nelson, said the Challenge built students' problem-solving abilities as well as their capacity to work as part of a team.

"The Challenge demonstrates how a technical problem is investigated and solved, so providing students with a better understanding of careers in science, engineering and technology related fields," he said.

"The key message we want kids to take away, is science and engineering is fun and rewarding and they can play a role in the fascinating world of technology."

The Challenge is nationally sponsored by the Australian Constructors Association and supported by over 100 Rotary clubs nationwide.

The Newcastle Science and Engineering Super Challenge will be held at the Broadmeadow Basketball Stadium from Tuesday 25 August to Thursday 27 August.

Activities start at 10am each day and finish by 3.15pm. A list of participating schools is attached. Media are welcome.

Schools competing in the 2009 Science and Engineering Super Challenge and their Challenge region:

Newcastle Tuesday 25 August 2009 Super Challenge Trophy

• McCarthy Catholic College (Tamworth)
• Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College Tumbi Umbi Campus (Central Coast)
• St Columba's Anglican College (Kempsey)
• The Three T's - Tottenham, Trundle and Trangie (Western Plains - Dubbo)
• Narrabri High School (North West - Narrabri)
• Lake Cargellico Central School (Outback - Cobar)
• Whitebridge High School (Newcastle)
• St Phillip's Christian College (Newcastle)

Newcastle Wednesday 26 August 2009 Super Challenge Plate

• Camden Haven High School (Kempsey)
• Wyong High School (Central Coast)
• Mudgee High School (Western Plains - Dubbo)
• Broken Hill High School (Outback - Cobar)
• Wingham High School (Mid Coast - Taree/Great Lakes)
• St Pius X High School (Newcastle)
• Lambton High School (Newcastle)
• All Saints College St Peter's Campus (Newcastle)

Newcastle Thursday 27 August 2009 Super Challenge Cup

• St Mary's High School (Newcastle)
• Gosford High School (Central Coast)
• Bellingen High School (Kempsey)
• Gilgandra High School
• Melville High School (Kempsey)
• Calrossy (Tamworth)
• O'Connor College (Highlands - Armidale)
• St Catherine's High School (Coal and Allied Upper Hunter)