Newcastle’s Central Coast Regional Group hosted its first Straw Tower construction competition since CoVID for students in years 4–6. 

Engineers Australia members understand the importance of attracting young people to a career in engineering. Immersive competitions like this one enable students to engage with engineering at a young age. 

Our recent submission to the government’s Diversity in STEM review highlighted that STEM education starts in early childhood and needs to be fostered and encouraged to help these students undertake tertiary education in STEM and build a long-term career in the field. 

The Straw Tower competition, held at the University of Newcastle Ourimbah Campus, had 14 competing teams with a total of 50 students involved. The students were tasked with building a tower out of paper straws, according to specifications on height, weight and construction joints. 

Students got to practice many of the key skills needed for an engineering career like problem solving, adaptability, attention to detail and teamwork. 

Each team had around four weeks to build their straw towers. They then brought their towers in for live load testing. Some towers were able to carry loads of 7.7 kgs. 

Students and the teachers involved thoroughly enjoyed the creativity of the task. 

Engineers Australia Newcastle General Manager Helen Link said that one of Engineers Australia’s strategic outcomes is to support a contemporary and future fit workforce. 

“Our members help us to achieve this outcome by creating fun and engaging activities for our future Newcastle engineers.” 

“These creative competitions give students a better understanding of a career in engineering and display the wide skill sets that are sought after in many industries,” Ms. Link said. 

Engineers Australia would like to thank our volunteers from the Central Coast Regional Group for their time and efforts in making this competition possible.