THE cancellation of the annual NSW schools engineering challenge has failed to deter South Tamworth Public School students.
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Students from Grade 3 to Grade 6 tried their hand at science as a part of the school's own engineering challenge.
South Tamworth Public School teacher Sam Proudfoot said his students were eager to reap the benefits of the annual challenge, despite it being cancelled for this year.
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"Normally, the students would compete against others at a regional level initially and then against other schools from across the state," Mr Proudfoot told the Leader.
"The competition provides a great chance for the kids to take the theoretical things they have learned and put them into practice.
"As well as that, many studies have proven the benefits of hands-on learning such as programs like this.
"That was the big motivator for us to hold this challenge despite the regional and state events not happening."
The day also offered leadership opportunities, as Grade 6 students mentored their younger classmates.
"This event offers a number of benefits aside from the development of the kids' scientific knowledge," Mr Proudfoot said.
"It allows to collaborate with older students from different grades and students their own age from different classes.
"They bounce ideas off each other and really sharpen their teamwork and leadership skills in the process, which is a massive bonus."
Mr Proudfoot said he was "extremely pleased" with the progress his students had made throughout the day.
"Honestly, it has been great to see everyone come together and learn a lot while having a lot of fun," he said.
"Whether it was during the activities regarding gravity, or through the balloon rockets, all the kids took everything on board and enjoyed themselves.
"We are certainly aiming to be involved in the engineering challenge again next year in some form."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
