14 April 2008

Year 9 and 10 students, from secondary schools across Melbourne will pit their skills against each other this month in the '2008 Science and Engineering Challenge', which is being run by Victoria University.

The event will take place from Tuesday 15 April through to Thursday 17 April, at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, Ascot Vale.

The Challenge is an innovative outreach program designed to show students in years 9 and 10 that a career in science, engineering or technology can be a part of anyone's future. Over the course of one day, eight teams of over 30 students per team, compete in eight fun filled activities designed to show students the fundamental principles of physics and mathematics in operation.

The activities include: designing and constructing model helicopters, helium airships, yachts, energy absorbing chairs and model bridges.

The reward for all students is to complete the day with a feeling that they could be a scientist, engineer or technologist after all.

The program was devised by the University of Newcastle, NSW.


There will be excellent photo opportunities each day at the venue.

Where: Exhibition Hall 3, Royal Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Road, Ascot Vale
When: Tuesday 15th April Wednesday 16th Thursday 17th April

Further information and interviews contact:
Mr Ian Campbell, event organiser,
Senior Lecturer, Architectural and Building Engineering
Ph: (03) 9919 4257. Mobile: 0419 344 255.

Media Contact: Andy Gash, Snr. Media Officer,
Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: (03) 9919 4950; mobile 0411 255 900