Mercy College, Mackay shines at the Science and Engineering Challenge
13 September, 2022
A competitive spirit and never-give-up attitude proved the winning formula for the team from Mercy College, Mackay, who took out first place at the Queensland final of the University of Newcastle, Science and Engineering Challenge held at the Gold Coast recently.
Mercy College secured the win against eight other regional finalist teams from around the state who had previously achieved the highest scores at their local competition, topping the 180 teams participating in this year’s challenge in Queensland.
The competition involved solving a number of hands-on engineering-based problems where students were required to formulate, design and build solutions in teams of two or three. Challenges included building a structure to be as high as possible, holding as much weight as possible and withstanding earthquakes; building a hand from straws and strings to grasp a number of objects and perform sign language; and, the ultimate challenge, building a bridge to span a specific gap to withstand an increasingly heavier car passing over it.
Mercy College Head of Science, Tania Attard, congratulated the team on their tenacity, determination and the way that they conducted themselves to achieve each challenge. Teams were mentored by university Engineering students and attended information sessions on study opportunities throughout the Gold Coast region.
“James Cook University generously sponsored the local event and contributed significantly to the cost of travel to the State finals, and we have had great support from our Mercy College Administration team and Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton,” Ms Attard said.
