FUTURE engineers tried to out-design, out-build and out-smart each other at Federation University on Tuesday.
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The Ballarat Science and Engineering Challenge brings to-
gether seven schools in competition, but the real goal is to get students interested in the nuts and bolts behind their creations.
Challenge organiser Peter Fullagar said it allowed them to try out science theory outside of the classroom.
“(The challenge) allows them explore the reasonings behind what they’re learning,” he said.
The year 10 student teams built bridges, rail lines, an off-roader for a mission to Mars and a hovercraft, among other things.
Loreto students working on a hovercraft said the day was all about confidence.
“We haven’t tested it fully yet, but you’ve got to believe it’ll work,” said Imogen Noone.
Superior Systems mechanical engineer Susannah Balson said she was inspired by similar tinkering.
“This is exactly the type of stuff I did as kid ... that made me want to be an engineer,” she said.
FedUni volunteers also helped guide the students, and Rotary Club of Wendouree also provided lunch.
Ballarat Grammar won on the day, but Mr Fullagar said Phoenix College was the big improver from last year, moving to second place.
The winners will go on to the state Science and Engineering Challenge in August.
