Rockhampton Science and Engineering Challenge opens young minds

08 May 2025
Image of four high school girls using an engineering apparatus
Students from The Cathedral College were among 180 students from six local schools to compete in the Rockhampton Science and Engineering Challenge hosted by CQUniversity.

By Greg Chapman

Nearly 200 Central Queensland high schoolers dove deep into the inner workings of engineering alongside CQUniversity students at the Rockhampton Science and Engineering Challenge recently.

Presented by the University of Newscastle and hosted at CQU’s Rockhampton North campus, 180 years 9-10 students from six local schools participated in the day-long competition while learning how science and mathematics apply in real life. 

Activities during the competition ranged from constructing wind turbine models, designing low-cost electricity infrastructure and designing and constructing bridges and ecologically friendly houses.

Participating students aimed to win points for their school, with the highest scoring schools from each region/zone subsequently competing against each other for a place in the state and – perhaps – the national final.

Image of four high schoolers using an engineering apparatus
Activities during the competition ranged from constructing wind turbine models, designing low-cost electricity infrastructure and designing and constructing bridges and ecologically friendly houses.

CQU researcher and Engineering Senior Lecturer Dr Ashfaque Chowdhury said the event gave the students the chance to engage with core engineering principles. 

“The activities are designed to introduce key engineering skills such as problem-solving, design and construction, systems thinking and optimisation, coding and technology, and sustainable engineering,” he said.

“Students were encouraged to develop their own solutions within the set rules of each activity. This experience can influence their decision to choose STEM subjects in their senior school years and a potential career in Engineering in future years.” 

Image of two men standing in front of a gathering of high school students
CQU Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and Technology Associate Professor Aruna Jayasuriya and CQU researcher and Engineering Senior Lecturer Dr Ashfaque Chowdhury

He said a number of CQU Engineering students were also on-hand to assist the high schoolers.

“A group of first-year engineering students were involved as a volunteer to facilitate the activities for the high school students,” he said.

“CQU students receive the opportunity to be a creative thinkers and developing crucial leadership and professional communication skills. 

“The hands-on activities and practical experiences helped them understand the roles within engineering and broadened their understanding of career paths after school. They appeared to be more open to new opportunities and approach scientific investigations with a new perspective.”

The Cathedral College was named the winning school and will go on with a chance to compete at the national event to be held in Newcastle in October.

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT