CU Newcastle students celebrate a win
A team of local primary students involved in the Children’s University Newcastle program won first place in the Solar Sprint Race Category at the Hunter Valley Electric Vehicle Festival held earlier this month.
Lukas and Daniel from Waratah West Primary School were awarded $100 after their mini solar car clocked the fastest time down the 20 metre race track, ahead of dozens of other competing teams.
Stage three classroom teacher, Jane Chapman, said the students put a lot of effort into designing and developing the car kits.
“Lukas and Daniel loved the whole experience and already enjoy basic engineering and gaming. The challenge was a hands on practical way to put those skills into practice and Lukas’ dad was really involved and a big inspiration to help them put it together,” she said.
“They have shared the prize money between them and put it towards more design games. Both boys were blown away by the fact they beat over 70 other teams and we at the school are also really proud of them,” she added.
Primary school teams around the Newcastle and Hunter region received the solar car kits that could be assembled in multiple ways and were charged with the task of creating the fastest and most efficient design.
Wyong Public School, also a member of Children’s University Newcastle, received the Team Spirit Award and a $100 prize.
This was the first year Children’s University Newcastle has been involved with the Festival.
Just a week later, Children’s University Newcastle also attended the Hunter Science Festival at the Newcastle Museum as part of National Science Week, running two workshops around technology and making slime.
Activities have also been planned for the upcoming school holidays:
- Monday September 26, 10am-1pm: Exploring drama at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre
- Tuesday September 27, 10am-3pm: Marine Discovery Day at Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre, Terrigal, including rock pool rambles and aquatic soundscape creation
- Sunday October 2, 10am-2pm: Chinese Festival on Beaumont Street
- Friday October 7, 10am-2pm: HMRI Family Open Day
If you would like more information on Children’s University Newcastle, please contact Selina.Darney@newcastle.edu.au
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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.