Students from across the Highlands and Wollondilly have been working hard for Science and Engineering Week.
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Held across June 3 and 4 at Mittagong RSL, students participated in a series of challenges designed to test their critical thinking skills.
Year 10 students participated in a series of eight challenges which focused on different aspects of science and engineering that have real life applications.
Students were asked to think critically about the problem, design and test their work.
Schools were divided in to teams to complete each unique activity, which had it's own set of complications.
The first challenge focused on confounding communications. Students were asked to design a means of communication from one end to another of fiber optic rods using coloured signals.
The challenge saw students building a structure that was able to withstand an earthquake with various weighted loads.
Design and critical thinking skills were put to the test when students were challenged to design a piece of furniture that could withstand the weight of two different load.
Another challenge saw students learn about energy usage and consumption. Using a simulated power system, students could choose different power sources such as wind, water, coal and electricity to operate the most efficient power system.
Science and Engineering Challenge was founded by the University of Newcastle in 2000.
It has since grown to involve more than 100 rotary clubs, 30 universities and reaching more than 1000 schools and 35,000 people.
The program encourages students to pursue a career in science and engineering.
Team Leader from the University of Newcastle Wilson said that the science and engineering challenge was a great way to introduce students to different aspects of science and engineering.
"It's all about critical thinking and being creative," she said.
"There's no math involved, it's about getting a feel for it and thinking 'I can do it'."
Moss Vale High School science teacher Ms Heather Kemp has been attending the science and engineering challenge for several years.
"It's something we don't have at school and it's great to get the kids involved," she said.
"It allows them to focus on one problem for a period of time and engage with it.
"They don't have that at school because it's always broken up by other lessons.
"It's good seeing the kids engage with the challenges an have fun."
Ian Langford, treasurer for the Bowral-Mittagong Rotary club has been involved with the science and engineering challenge for 10 years.
The rotary club helps with the cost of the program by raising money, which allows students and schools to participate for a reduced amount.