Local students put their science and engineering skills to the test | Photos

Year 7 and 8 students from Kempsey, Melville, Dorrigo and Macksville High School's put their science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills to the test.

The challenge is a joint project between First Australia and Stemshare Community and aims to prepare students for careers in science and engineering.

The students were tasked with designing, building and programming robots to complete various tasks and competed against each other in teams.

Luan Heimlich from First Australia said it was great to see the students engaging in the challenge and testing their skills.

"It gives them the confidence to put their skills to the test while also preparing them to be innovative thinkers for future careers," she said. 

"The students have shown so much enthusiasm in the challenge which is really amazing."

The day was organised by Kempsey High School science teacher Tim Squires and he said he hopes to organise more innovative events for the students in the future.

"We would like to have more science and technology based challenges for the students. It's something that they're interested in and it can help them in the future," he said. 

First Australia and Stemshare Community would like to thank all of the partners involved in making the challenge a success: Department of Education's, Stemshare Community Leaders and volunteers including First Robotics Australia, Lego Education, Department of Education's STEM Project Officer, Curriculum Support Project Officer, Charles Sturt University honour students, Pathways Officer, the NSW Cybersecurity Network and Kempsey Shire Council.

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