Chevalier College takes out this year's Science and Engineering Challenge

More than 250 Year 10 students from eight high schools across the Highlands, took part in the challenge at Mittagong RSL on May 22.

The initiative encourages students to learn more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), beyond what they normally would in a classroom.

"I hope they just get inspired to study STEM, or encourage them that it's not as hard as it seems," said University of Newcastle team leader Olivia Jackson, who was inspired at a SEC event when she was in school.

Read also: Wingecarribee Shire Council's draft planning document goes on exhibition

Students did rotations of different activities throughout the day, where they had to create different products and test out solutions.

Points were collected for each task.

For many, they were given limited materials to work with such as tape, rubber bands, straws, motors, paper clips and balsa wood.

Helter Shelter was a new scenario presented this year, where students had to construct earthquake-proof towers that could sustain weights and tremors.

Job Juggle was also brought to the Highlands challenge for the first time.

Read also: Canham Pest Control Management share tips on controlling the rise of rodents

It involved juggling schedules, running scenarios and a glimpse of what management is like.

The day was capped off with the testing of bridges made from limited materials, to see if they could sustain different weights and a cart rolling across them.

Schools cheered as students went onto the stage to see how long it would take for their bridges to collapse.

Frensham's bridge was the most successful, sustaining a stack of small weights, and then a mass of 4.5 kilos.

Read also: Merrigang Street Bridge opening has been delayed

Chevalier College was announced as the overall winner of the SEC with a trophy and certificate, and qualified for state competition, which can then lead to the national challenge.

Frensham and Oxley were awarded second and third place with certificates and trophies.

Wollondilly Anglican College came fourth, followed by Moss Vale High School, Bowral High School, the Southern Highlands Christian School and St Paul's International College.

The SEC is presented by the University of Newcastle in partnership with Rotary Clubs, community groups, universities and sponsors.

It is the 14^th SEC held in the Highlands with the Rotary Club of Bowral-Mittagong, in conjunction with the local branch of Engineers Australia.

Rotary Club of Bowral-Mittagong member and SEC committee chairman Ian Langford said he hoped the day encouraged more students to pursue STEM subjects and careers.

Primary school students got a taste of different science activities at the RSL with a Discovery Day on May 23.

Tudor House was the winning school.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:

Make sure you are signed up for our breaking news and regular newsletters