Science

Stage 5 Science and Engineering Challenge

The bright minds of McCarthy Catholic College students took centre stage at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC) for the Stage 5 Science and Engineering Challenge. The 27 students in attendance represented the school remarkably as they tackled a series of challenges designed to test their problem-solving, communication and collaboration skills. The event was a testament to their dedication and ingenuity as they were split into eight teams to compete against nine other schools. 

One of the highlights of the event was the newly introduced “Fish Traps” challenge which had only been trialled in one other location beforehand. The challenge draws inspiration from the Brewarrina Fish Traps to encouraging students devise sustainable solutions for catching fish of various sizes. Our Orange team sailed through one of the rounds during this challenge with a 50 out of 50; however, they missed the win for the session.

Additionally, students navigated their way through the intricacies of “Electricity” where they simulated the challenges of providing electricity to a whole city. Participants also had to construct a tower during the “Helter Skelter Shelter” challenge using basic materials such as straws, paper and masking tape. The structure needed to meet minimum height standards, withstand weights and endure a simulated earthquake – a true test of engineering prowess. 

Other challenges included the “Flight Challenge,” where students crafted balsa wood airplanes, tested for both distance and accuracy. Our teams showed an outstanding eye for detail in the “Job Juggle” challenge, reminiscent of real-world timetabling and rostering. In this challenge, our Blue team took out the win in the morning event while our Pink team posted a perfect score in one of the rounds during the afternoon session. They also deciphered secret messages in “Confounding Communications”. The “Wind Turbines” activity required competitors to construct an efficient wind turbine from simple cardboard sheets and skewers. Our Blue team once again showed their skills in team work and engineering, managing to break the 400 mark for a score of 421 declaring them the winners of the session, as well as earning them the title of highest score of the day, leaving the adjudicators speechless with their commitment to the task. 

However, the most highly contested challenge of the day was the “Bridge Building” challenge, which carried double the points of other activities. Despite facing obstacles, the McCarthy team demonstrated resilience by rebuilding their bridge late into the day. In the end, McCarthy climbed the rankings in the afternoon session emerging triumphant, securing third place overall. While we may not have clinched the top spot, the perseverance and determination of each and every member of the team did not go unnoticed. 

The Stage 5 Science and Engineering Challenge was not just a competition; it was an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge, collaborate with peers, and push the boundaries of innovation. The McCarthy Catholic College community can certainly be proud of the performance of these students as they are inspired by the opportunities created by competing in these challenges.

The Year 7 and 8 team took part in a similar challenge on the following day at the TRECC. The teams worked through similar activities, as did the year 9/10 teams and achieved good points and rankings for their efforts through the day. As with the Year 9/10 teams the day culminated with the bridge challenge. Our bridge builders came up with a remarkable design which in theory, had the hallmarks of a strong load-bearing construction. However, this turned into a learning experience with one unforeseen weakness preventing the test trolley from getting across the gap successfully. An ‘oops’ moment which will prove to be invaluable for the teams in the 2025 challenge. 

As we celebrate the achievements of our students, let us also acknowledge the dedication of organisers of events like this possible. Here’s to the brilliant minds and ambassadors of McCarthy, shaping the future of science and engineering one challenge at a time! The organizing and supervising staff members of the event: Melissa Bearup, Angela McCabe and James Vella, thank the students for taking the initiative to become involved in this event, and contributing to an enjoyable two days of Science and Engineering.

Angela McCabe