Competitive spirit shines in Rocky STEM showdown

By Priscilla Roberts

More than 200 Year 10 students from across the Rockhampton region and Capricorn Coast put their science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills to the test at the National Science and Engineering Challenge 2026 regional competition hosted by CQUniversity on Friday.

Seven schools competed in the day-long event at the CQUniversity Sports Centre in Rockhampton, tackling a series of hands-on activities designed to test teamwork, problem-solving and engineering skills.

Now in its 26th year in Australia, the National Science and Engineering Challenge continues to grow, giving students an engaging introduction to STEM pathways through what organisers describe as a “STEM athletics carnival”.

Instead of traditional athletics events such as discus and shotput, students competed in activities including Flight, Wind Turbine, Fish Traps, electraCITY, Eco-Habitech and Bridge.

National Science and Engineering Challenge Team Leader Olivia Clarkson said the program was making a measurable impact on the number of students pursuing STEM studies and careers.

“We target Year 10 students because they are at the point where they are making decisions about their senior subject selections,” Ms Clarkson said.

“The challenge gives students exposure to STEM in a fun, practical and highly engaging environment, helping them see the opportunities available to them through STEM study at university and beyond.

“There is real evidence that programs like this contribute to growth in the number of students heading into STEM areas.”

CQUniversity organiser and Engineering Lecturer Dr Ashfaque Chowdhury said the competition highlighted students’ critical thinking and teamwork abilities.

“The challenge allows students to showcase their problem-solving skills and their ability to work effectively as a team,” Dr Chowdhury said.

“The teams were highly competitive throughout the day, particularly during the bridge-building activity which became a major focus by the end of the competition as teams tested how well their designs performed.”

Rockhampton Grammar School was named the overall winner of the regional competition and will now have the opportunity to compete in the national final in Canberra later this year, where a trophy and national bragging rights will be on the line.

Hannah from Rockhampton Grammar School, who was part of the winning team, said students enjoyed the range of activities and the competitive atmosphere.

“We really enjoyed the competition and all the different challenges involved,” she said.

“It was fun working together as a team and trying different STEM activities.”

The National Science and Engineering Challenge is a nationwide STEM outreach program presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with communities, universities and sponsors. 

The Rockhampton regional competition was hosted by CQUniversity.