SIX Seville Grove students are set to show off their STEM skills in Sydney.
The Year 9 students from Cecil Andrews College will be heading east to compete in the Schools Technology challenge.
STEM teacher Jason Evans said the challenge is to build a radio-controlled, four-wheel drive vehicle to particular specifications, which will then navigate and complete obstacles on an off-road test track.
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READ NOW“It’s just as demanding as the real thing, and emulates on the capabilities of a full size 4×4 vehicle,” Mr Evans said.
It is the second time Cecil Andrews College has entered the national finals, and team Red Tails (named after the renowned red tail black cockatoos throughout the area) have also been mentoring the second state team from Canning Community College.
Mr Evans said the challenge helps equip students with vital 21st century STEM and entrepreneurship skills, with students problem solving, collaborating, seeking advice and sponsorship from the community, coding, 3D printing and more.
The team secured $13,000 in grants to send the students and staff to Sydney, with funds from the Federal Government for student science engagement and international competitions along with the City of Armadale.
Cecil Andrews College is also part of the Schools Pathway program, linking students to industry partnerships.
Team member Mutinta Nangongwe said it has been an interesting and challenging experience so far, with one of the highlights being designing a logo and placing it on the team shirts.
“We’ve learnt a lot in a very short space of time,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to challenging other teams from around Australia and seeing their ideas.”
The finals take place during the week of November 13.
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