EIGHTEEN schools in the Bendigo region are taking part in a challenge to create the best cardboard architecture project.
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The challenge is centred around Unboxy - a cardboard kit of triangles and connectors that allows students to design their own geometric structures.
Y2 Architecture director Matthew Dwyer said his firm - along with the Bendigo Tech School, La Trobe University, and iEqualsdpluse - came up with the competition to encourage students to work creatively.
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"It was really about giving schools and students the opportunity to come together after a pretty tough year and collaborate on a project," he said.
Mr Dwyer said the 18 schools received their free Unboxy kits earlier this week.
There were three categories for schools to compete in - engineering or the tallest structure with a single kit; wellbeing or the best contribution to wellbeing in the classroom; and visual arts or the most creative design.
Mr Dwyer said the overall winner would receive a $1000 voucher, which could be spent on science, technology, engineering, and maths related items.
Winners in each category across the primary and secondary schools would also receive STEM kits, as well as certificates and trophies.
Mr Dwyer said the winners would be announced on December 15.
"We have been really excited by the response that we've had from the schools," he said. "Even when we were delivering the kits, there was some real excitement from the educators in particular.
"We hope we're making a bit of a difference. We have have heard there are particular students who may struggle a bit at school but excel with Unboxy.
"It's a great tool and activity that is influencing some of those students to participate. That's what we're hoping to do."
The Goldfields Local Learning & Employment Network, ACOR Engineers, Lotus, and Bostik were also sponsoring the 2020 Unboxy challenge.
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