SWAG - Science and Agriculture
Celebrating Stellar Performance
Our talented students recently took part in the Science and Engineering Challenge, an annual event promoting exploration in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It brought together bright minds from various schools to demonstrate their innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. We are thrilled to announce that our school achieved an outstanding 4th place overall among tough competitors. Let's examine this remarkable event through the eyes of the students who experienced it firsthand!
On Friday 21st July, 32 students from Camden High School competed in various mind boggling science and engineering challenges at Penrith Western Sydney University. We worked through each challenging activity against the other participating schools. Our team was assigned two activities. The first activity “Job Juggle” took place earlier in the day. The challenge incorporated different possibilities for a job schedule which progressively increased in difficulty. We 45 mins to solve 10 levels. We all had to work co-operatively and put our lateral thinking to the test to level up.
Our next activity was the Helter Skelter Shelter. We had to build a tower in 45 mins with limited materials to withstand an earthquake. We were given Paper straws, 2 sheets of A4 Paper and a piece of cardboard that was attached to a nail board. Our score consisted of a weight test, a seismic test and the height of our tower. We did so well with our structure with standing 3 rounds of earthquakes and increased mass loads. We were thrilled to get equal 3rd considering some of the other groups structures.
We finished our day by watching the Bridge Test in the lecture hall which was super exciting! At the end, all participating schools gathered where we watched each school take part. The bridges were made of basa wood and cardboard. The design had to be substantial enough to survive a metal train that gradually became heavier . Every bridge was well structured and it was interesting to see what each school presented.
Over all, Camden High came 4th place which was a great achievement. It was a remarkable experience and a great opportunity for students to display their competence and interact with other schools !
I had a super fun day learning and having some friendly competition!
Arabella and Shanniah Year 9
Celebrating our new Mentor for the National Youth Science Forum 2024!
In January, I participated in the National Youth Science Forum, which is a summer program delivered to those interested in pursuing a career related to STEM. I got to hear from a variety of experts in different fields, learn about what different universities have to offer and current studies, get tours of labs and workplaces and also partake in fun social activities like scavenger hunts and trivias. It was a great opportunity to get a feel for the real world and make friends that have similar interests and passions to me.
I enjoyed it immensely, and this year I have had the pleasure of being accepted to return to the camp as a student member of staff for in Brisbane for 2024, which will be the first fully in person program since 2019. Until then I will be completing leadership and working with children training, and arranging different activities to do with my team of Staffies and our group. When we’re there, we will assist in fostering a love of science and helping in the creation of life-long connections and friendships. I am very excited for January next year and hope to see some students from Camden High there!
Caitlyn Year 12