Science and Engineering Challenge 2016 Last Tuesday March 15 the Science and Engineering Challenge was held at the University of New England. Thirty-two Year 5 and Year 6 students from Ben Venue took part in this wonderful experience. The Science and Engineering Challenge is an initiative presented by the University of Newcastle, in cooperation with the University of New England and Armidale Central Rotary Club. It is an initiative designed to provide enrichment to budding young scientists in their senior years of primary school, with the hope of inspiring them to pursue science and/or engineering fields not only in high school, but also beyond. As a part of the Highlands Cluster, Ben Venue Public School enthusiastically participated in this day-long event, which provided practical, positive experiences in science and engineering, through investigative, hands-on evaluative experiments in a variety of areas. In teams of four, the students from schools around the District battled against one another in two half-day activities. Team work, ‘Persistence’ and of course ‘Resilience’ were essential to planning, designing, making and achieving successful results. The students engineered catapults, robotic hands, all-terrain vehicles which travelled comfortably over rough terrain, towers that could potentially withstand an earthquake and mapped electrical power grids. Others designed and built a bridge, made using paddle pop sticks and styrofoam, which could carry a load of ‘gold’ across a specific span. All students applied themselves enthusiastically and worked extremely well in their groups. It was a very enjoyable, educational experience for all! The students and teachers from Ben Venue would like to thank Dr Peter Lye and his wonderful team of volunteers who went above and beyond to make our science and engineering experience so amazing. Science Coordinator, Rebecca O’Hara