Gliding into a more sustainable future
Will it, or won’t it? The nail-biting task of designing and launching their own glider has gripped thousands of high school students over the years as part of the Science and Engineering Challenge. This exhilarating activity has had a sustainable makeover thanks to a special partnership with Boeing.
The Flight! activity enables students to explore concepts of flight and test their design skills. Support from Boeing means students now use biodegradable balsa wood instead of polystyrene foam to construct their gliders – adding another layer of learning to the thrilling experiment.
Students are challenged to build their model plane from balsa wood before putting it through a series of distance and accuracy tests. In 2023, Flight! has been run all over Australia, with students having the opportunity to explore aspects of STEM though this great activity.
Boeing’s generous support for the Science and Engineering Challenge is a full-circle moment for University of Newcastle alumna and Senior Project Engineer at Boeing, Lorena Pais, who worked as a Challenge Ambassador during her time as a student at the University.
The Science and Engineering Challenge program has a special spot in my heart. It is a wonderful avenue for children to explore and learn, through play, difficult concepts that tend to be dry and boring when taught during school years.
As a female engineer it is an absolute honour to be able to support, participate and promote any STEM related activities to school aged children. Representation is so critical for engineering to continue to grow and develop new technologies that will affect all of humankind.”
- Lorena Pais (BEng, 2009; BBiotech, 2004)
The Science and Engineering Challenge addresses the skills shortage in science and engineering by inspiring young people to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in senior high school. The national program engages with more than 30,000 high school students each year, including high numbers of girls and students from regional, rural or remote areas, to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in STEM.
Click here to watch Flight! in action.
To learn more about how you or your business can philanthropically support an area you are passionate about, please contact Kate on 02 4921 8612 or email philanthropy@newcastle.edu.au
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.