PARK Ridge State High School became an epic STEM arena last week, hosting more than 1000 students from 32 schools over four days.
Students came from across south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales for Griffith University’s Science on the Go Science and Engineering Challenge, where they took on bridges, turbines, model planes and problem-solving tasks built to test teamwork, creativity and critical thinking.
Park Ridge State High School head of department for science Randall Hall said the event was a sign Logan was becoming a serious hub for young scientific talent.
“It’s wonderful that we can host something like this in Logan,” Mr Hall said.
“I think it’s fantastic that Logan gets the opportunity to host this event, and we’ve seen all these schools come from across Queensland to Park Ridge.”
Year 9 and Year 10 students competed on Tuesday and Wednesday, before Year 5 and Year 6 students took part on Thursday and Friday.
Mr Hall said students worked in teams of four through eight activities, including designing wind turbine blades, building model planes and tackling engineering problems based on real-world ideas.
“They’re all problem-solving activities,” Mr Hall said.
“They encourage critical thinking, so students work collaboratively to do things like design blades on a wind turbine to generate the most electricity, or design the wings of a plane so it flies the furthest or most accurately.”
One task explored how First Nations fishermen used rocks and logs in creeks to let certain-sized fish through while catching others.
“They investigate the way Indigenous fishermen used to fish, using rocks and logs within creeks to let certain-sized fish through and catch certain-sized fish,” Mr Hall said.
“They also look at how that would change when tides change.”
Mr Hall said one of the biggest moments came when students tested bridges they had spent the day building, with weights added until only the strongest designs survived.
“At the end of the day, when they do the bridge testing, it’s done in front of everyone,” he said.
“They’re in front of a big audience, so they’re cheering and going wild.
“The kids are so engaged.”
Park Ridge State High School has hosted the event for the past five years.
Mr Hall said the school’s role had become especially significant after one of Brisbane’s university-hosted competitions, formerly held at the University of Queensland, stopped, while QUT continues to host its own event.
“It’s well worth it just to see the kids working collaboratively and engaged in critical thinking,” he said.
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