Budding Einsteins and Curies converged in Bendigo to take on the science and engineering challenge, with hosts Bendigo South East College taking out first place and scoring the highest result in the state.
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The students built hovercraft, planned a rover mission to Mars and tested the strength of model bridges.
Despite fears of dwindling numbers of women working in the science industry aired by astrophysicists and climate scientists on ABC’s Q&A on Monday night, the competition boasted a 50-50 gender split.
Year 10 student Kate Salvador said her team was up for the challenge and had a strong homeground advantage.
“It makes science a lot more relevant – you sit in the classsroom and you learn all the rules in physics, but you never actually really see it applied to something that’s useful,” she said.
Classmate Corinne agreed the fun science day cemented students’ passion for study, but both yearned for more female role models.
“I personally wish there were a lot more. I don't really know any women who are engineers,” Kate said.
“There's the stereotype. If you think of engineers, your automatic thought is of a male,” Corinne said.
“It would be better if there were more females doing that kind of stuff so that we know it is achievable for us and everyone understands it's not just a male job.”
Fellow student Jack Ryan said the challenge helped him put science in the real world and apply problem solving skills.
Rochester students Maddison Harley and Alicia Menzies said they were considering taking up a scientific career and they loved learning about chemical reactions.
Rod Spitty, from the Rotary Club of Bendigo South and chair of the science and engineering challenge committee in Central Victoria said the day was “extremely important” in fostering young people’s love of science.
“The reason why the club does it is the shortage of science and engineering students in the country,” Mr Spitty said.
“We want to capture the spirit and enjoyment and fun that comes from following those pursuits.”
“The Q&A discussion last night is particularly pertinent to today's activity.”
The challenge saw 200 students from eight schools in the region compete, with Rochester Secondary College taking out second place.
Bendigo South East’s victory will see them contend at the state finals in Warrnambool next Thursday.
Students from Catholic College Bendigo, Crusoe Secondary, Girton Grammar, Kyneton Secondary, Weeroona College and Yarrawonga College also participated in the challenge.
