The University of Newcastle, Australia

Over 1000 students from 24 schools from across Australia will put their minds to the test this week in the bid to win the University of Newcastle’s 2011 Science and Engineering Grand Challenge.

The three day event, which begins today, Tuesday 18 October, will be held at the Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre in Victoria. The Grand Challenge is the culmination of regional and state challenges that have been contested around the country throughout the year.

Developed by the University’s Faculty of Science and Information Technology and the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, the innovative program encourages high school students’ interest in science and engineering by engaging them in fun, hands-on activities. It has grown from a local event to one involving more than 20,000 students nationwide each year.

A live webcast at 9.10am and 2pm each day will enable school communities and the public to follow the action as the competition unfolds over three days. The webcast can be viewed at www.newcastle.edu.au/challenge

The University of Newcastle 2011 Science and Engineering Grand Challenge will run from 9am-3pm from Tuesday 18 October to Thursday 20 October at the Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre in Victoria.

For interview: Director of National Challenge Operations, Dr Terry Burns, on 0418 653 699.

For photos of students from your region or for further information please contact Katie Brown on 02 4921 8603 or 0402 319 463.

Participating schools:

Tuesday 18 October Bronze Division

Galen College (Wangaratta VIC)
Calvin Christian School (Hobart TAS)
St Matthews Catholic School (Mudgee NSW)
Mullumbimby SHS (QLD)
St John's Anglican College (Brisbane QLD)
Wagga Wagga High School (NSW)
St Ignatius College (Geelong VIC)
Sacred Heart College Middle School (Adelaide SA)

Wednesday 19 October Silver Division

Kelmscott Senior High School (Perth WA)
Sydney Technical High School (Bexley, NSW)
St Peters Lutheran (Indooroopilly)
Concordia Lutheran (Toowoomba QLD)
St Mary's High School (Gateshead NSW)
All Saints College St Peters Campus (Maitland NSW)
Essington Senior School (Darwin - Casurina NT)
Kent St Senior High School (East Victoria Park, WA)

Thursday 20 October Gold Division

John Calvin School (Albany WA)
Launceston Christian School (Launceston TAS)
St Catherine’s Catholic College (Singleton)
Nanango State High School (Nanango QLD)
Carrol College (Broulee NSW)
Bendigo South East Secondary College (VIC)
Shenton College (Shenton Park WA)
St Peters College (St Peters SA)