2024 Engineer Your Path Winners Announced Here.
2023 The Power Of Water Competition & Winners Announced Here!
2024 STEM Competition – Engineer Your Path
Following the incredible success of last year’s “The Power of Water” competition, we are excited to announce this year’s STEM competition, “Engineer Your Path,” supported by Snowy Hydro and our new sponsor, Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail.
Engineer Your Path aims to inspire students to explore STEM concepts through creative projects. This year’s theme focuses on the engineering principles behind sculptures, drawing inspiration from the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail and Snowy Hydro.
(Western Australia)
(Western Australia)
(Western Australia)
(Czech Republic)
(Czech Republic)
(Czech Republic)
Students will create interactive physical models (Kindy-Year 1), stories/animations (Years 2 – 6) and 3D CAD models (high school), learning about structural integrity, environmental impact, and sustainability. They will design and build projects that showcase their understanding of engineering principles and its real-world applications.
The competition is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about real-world challenges and develop practical solutions using their STEM and coding skills. The competition encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while fostering creativity and innovation among students. By participating in this competition, students can gain valuable experience and knowledge that can help them pursue future careers in STEM-related fields. Attend our upcoming free workshops at a library near you or online below.
If you are a teacher or a school, embrace the opportunity to introduce coding as a regular subject in term 3 through our exciting competition. We provide a detailed lesson plan, teacher training, and ongoing support to guide you along the way. Empower your students with essential coding skills while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us to unlock the potential of coding in education.
Parents and community groups such as libraries or church groups are encouraged to participate as well.
Learn Coding, Be Creative and Participate in our STEM Competition in collaboration with Snowy Hydro and Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail!
Learn Coding with us for free, be creative, and showcase your newly developed knowledge. Already know how to Code? No problem – create a project to enter our STEM Competition and win exciting prizes!
Competition Categories
The competition caters for all age groups
| Year Group | Theme | Resources | Deliverables |
| Kindy – Year 1 | Learn about basic engineering concepts and structures in nature | Audio Stories inspired by Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail Engineering Videos inspired by Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail | Create a bricks model showcasing students’ understanding of structures and their interaction with the environment. |
| Years 2 – 6 | Understand the engineering principles behind sculptures and how they come to life | Engineering Videos inspired by Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail Scratch eLearning Course (registration required) Scratch Starter Project | An imaginary and interactive story in Scratch where characters encounter at least one sculpture that come to life, tell their stories, and reveal hidden engineering principles within themselves. These sculptures also face environmental obstacles such as wind and snow. Students will code animations showing how the sculptures adapt to these elements and demonstrate engineering principles through engaging exploration and interactive conversations. |
| High School | Showcase advanced engineering and CAD skills | Engineering Videos inspired by Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail TinkerCAD Fundamentals eLearning Course (registration required) | A 3D CAD model that demonstrates engineering principles and creativity. Understand and apply concepts such as structural integrity, load distribution, and environmental resilience. Develop innovative designs that are both functional and visually appealing, inspired by real-world engineering projects. |
Competition Details
Engineer Your Path
Theme
Engineer Your Path - Learn about basic engineering concepts and structures in nature
Competition Tasks
- Students will explore engineering stories / resources provided by AARAS Education and other sources to learn more about the basics of engineering and how structures are made.
- Students will build a physical model using blocks showcasing what they have learnt about engineering in structures. Submit photos or video (preferred) of up to 2 minutes to describe the model and the learning.
Who Can Participate
- Students in Kindy to Year 1
- No previous knowledge is required.
Success Criteria
- The model must be built primarily using blocks/bricks (e.g. LEGO(R) bricks)
- The model must be labelled
- Submit up to 5 pictures or a video less than 2 minutes in duration. Do not include any faces in the media for privacy reasons
Ideas To Get Started
-
- Build a Structure: Use building bricks (like LEGO) to construct simple structures (e.g., bridges, towers, or even a sculpture made out of bricks!).
- Nature Integration: Add elements like trees or animals to show how the structure interacts with nature.
- Explain: Describe why the structure is stable and how it supports itself.
Theme
Engineer Your Path – Understand the engineering principles behind sculptures and how they come to life
Competition Tasks
- Students will explore resources provided and other sources to learn more about engineering principles behind sculptures and how they come to life
- Choose at least one of the sculptures from the Snowy Valleys Sculpture trials and investigate engineering principles used in that sculpture.
- Code an interactive story in Scratch where your character encounter at least one sculpture that come to life, tell their stories, and reveal hidden engineering principles within themselves.
- These sculptures also face environmental obstacles such as wind and snow. Students will code animations showing how the sculptures adapt to these elements and demonstrate engineering principles through engaging exploration and interactive conversations.
- Students will ‘share’ and submit their Scratch projects.
Scratch Starter Project
- All students will have access to a Scratch Starter project with characters, backdrops and sprites they can use for their projects.
Who Can Participate
- Students in years 2 to 6
- No previous knowledge of Coding necessary. Students will learn the fundamentals of Coding using Scratch through the free online sessions.
Success Criteria
- A minimum of 2 sprites must be used with one being based on one of the Sculptures
- Code must be written in Scratch (scratch.mit.edu)
- There must be a backdrop
- Code’s run time must be between 1 minute to 3 minutes
- There must be dialogue between sprites
- Use at least 3 of the following blocks in their code;
- Say
- Wait
- Repeat
- Forever
- Switch backdrop to
- Switch costume to
- Move
- Play sound until done
Ideas To Get Started
- See example
Learn To Code In Scratch
A variety of resources will be available to students to learn to code in Scratch.
- A recorded session is available for students to get started
- Live online sessions will be hosted in July School Holidays and Term 3 to learn the basics of Scratch coding. Details will be sent to registered participants.
Register your interest at the bottom of the page to receive the Scratch starter project, competition resources and a special invitation to join our Coding Roadshows where you will learn the basic fundamentals of coding.
Theme
Showcase advanced engineering and CAD skills
Instructions:
- Research: Study real-world sculptures and engineering projects for inspiration.
- Design: Sketch initial ideas and plan the structure’s design.
- Model in CAD: Use CAD software such as TinkerCAD, Fusion 360, OnShape or similar to create a detailed 3D model, ensuring it incorporates engineering principles.
- Test and Iterate: Simulate environmental conditions to test the model’s resilience and make improvements.
- Export or Share: Export or share the model.
Success Criteria:
- CAD model
- Creativity in design.
- Clear presentation of the design process and engineering concepts.
Ideas to Get Started:
- Design a sculpture that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Create a model of a bridge that incorporates both aesthetic and functional elements.
Who Can Participate
- High School students are encouraged to work in a group of up to 4 students, if this is not possible then individual participation is acceptable.
- No previous knowledge of 3D/CAD modelling is required. Free training will be provided to registered participants.
Teachers are encouraged to use this competition as an opportunity to introduce their students to Coding and offer Coding as a regular subject in term 3/4. We have created detailed lesson plans and offer teacher training and support to assist you throughout the process.
- Register yourself for the competition along with your students. You are able to copy and paste student details in the registration form.
- Attend teacher's briefing session that will outline all the essential competition details. This session equips you with the necessary information about the competition and will enable you to plan your term activities.
- Attend training session specifically tailored to teaching Scratch Coding in the classroom. This training will equip you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to confidently guide your students in their coding endeavors.
- Drop-in to online Town Hall sessions with our team where you can connect with other passionate educators who are also embarking on their coding teaching journey. This session serves as a valuable check-in following the initial training, offering a supportive environment where you can share experiences and receive guidance from your peers.
- Need more support? We are only an email away to address any questions or concerns you may have along the way. Our dedicated team is committed to assisting you in overcoming any challenges in your students entering this competition.
- Already Inspired? Want to fully immerse your school in the world of STEM learning, we encourage you to explore our school incursions. These immersive programs provide hands-on experiences and interactive activities that will ignite the passion for coding in your students, fostering a love for technology and innovation.
We are thrilled to offer libraries, community groups, and church groups a unique opportunity to engage in a fun and educational competition centered around STEM learning. Our comprehensive resource package is designed to make it easy for you to host this exciting program, encouraging young minds to explore the world of coding and engineering.
What We Offer:
Ready-Made Resource Package
We provide a complete set of materials, including lesson plans, activity guides, and promotional resources, to help you run the competition smoothly. Our package is tailored to be user-friendly, requiring minimal setup, making it perfect for any group setting.
Free Face-to-Face Workshops
We can offer free in-person workshops led by our expert educators. These workshops are a great way to kickstart the competition, offering hands-on experiences and inspiring young learners. To schedule a workshop, please contact us directly.
Comprehensive Training and Support
We offer extensive training and ongoing support to ensure a seamless experience:
- Briefing Session: A comprehensive session covering all essential competition details, helping you plan and integrate the activities into your programs.
- Scratch Coding Training: Online eLearning course followed by tailored sessions that provide the necessary skills to teach Scratch coding, empowering you to guide participants effectively.
- Online Town Hall Sessions: Connect with our team and other educators in regular online sessions. These serve as a platform for sharing experiences, addressing questions, and receiving support from peers.
Easy Registration Process
Register your group and participants through our easy-to-use registration form. You can conveniently copy and paste participant details, making the process straightforward and efficient.
Additional Opportunities
For those eager to delve deeper into STEM learning, we offer immersive incursions. These programs provide hands-on activities and experiences that ignite a passion for technology and innovation, perfect for inspiring a love of learning in a supportive environment.
Get Started Today!
Participating in this competition is a fantastic way to engage your community, foster a love for STEM, and provide valuable learning opportunities. To access the resource package or to inquire about workshops and additional support, please contact us. We look forward to partnering with you to make this a rewarding and inspiring experience for all involved.
Theme
Engineer Your Path - Learn about basic engineering concepts and structures in natureCompetition Tasks
- Students will explore engineering stories / resources provided by AARAS Education and other sources to learn more about the basics of engineering and how structures are made.
- Students will build a physical model using blocks showcasing what they have learnt about engineering in structures. Submit photos or video (preferred) of up to 2 minutes to describe the model and the learning.
- Students in Kindy to Year 1
- No previous knowledge is required.
- The model must be built primarily using blocks/bricks (e.g. LEGO(R) bricks)
- The model must be labelled
- Submit up to 5 pictures or a video less than 2 minutes in duration. Do not include any faces in the media for privacy reasons
-
- Build a Structure: Use building bricks (like LEGO) to construct simple structures (e.g., bridges, towers, or even a sculpture made out of bricks!).
- Nature Integration: Add elements like trees or animals to show how the structure interacts with nature.
- Explain: Describe why the structure is stable and how it supports itself.
Theme
Engineer Your Path – Understand the engineering principles behind sculptures and how they come to lifeCompetition Tasks
- Students will explore resources provided and other sources to learn more about engineering principles behind sculptures and how they come to life
- Choose at least one of the sculptures from the Snowy Valleys Sculpture trials and investigate engineering principles used in that sculpture.
- Code an interactive story in Scratch where your character encounter at least one sculpture that come to life, tell their stories, and reveal hidden engineering principles within themselves.
- These sculptures also face environmental obstacles such as wind and snow. Students will code animations showing how the sculptures adapt to these elements and demonstrate engineering principles through engaging exploration and interactive conversations.
- Students will ‘share’ and submit their Scratch projects.
Scratch Starter Project
- All students will have access to a Scratch Starter project with characters, backdrops and sprites they can use for their projects.
Who Can Participate
- Students in years 2 to 6
- No previous knowledge of Coding necessary. Students will learn the fundamentals of Coding using Scratch through the free online sessions.
Success Criteria
- A minimum of 2 sprites must be used with one being based on one of the Sculptures
- Code must be written in Scratch (scratch.mit.edu)
- There must be a backdrop
- Code’s run time must be between 1 minute to 3 minutes
- There must be dialogue between sprites
- Use at least 3 of the following blocks in their code;
- Say
- Wait
- Repeat
- Forever
- Switch backdrop to
- Switch costume to
- Move
- Play sound until done
Ideas To Get Started
- See example
Learn To Code In Scratch
A variety of resources will be available to students to learn to code in Scratch.- A recorded session is available for students to get started
- Live online sessions will be hosted in July School Holidays and Term 3 to learn the basics of Scratch coding. Details will be sent to registered participants.
Theme
Showcase advanced engineering and CAD skills Instructions:- Research: Study real-world sculptures and engineering projects for inspiration.
- Design: Sketch initial ideas and plan the structure’s design.
- Model in CAD: Use CAD software such as TinkerCAD, Fusion 360, OnShape or similar to create a detailed 3D model, ensuring it incorporates engineering principles.
- Test and Iterate: Simulate environmental conditions to test the model’s resilience and make improvements.
- Export or Share: Export or share the model.
- CAD model
- Creativity in design.
- Clear presentation of the design process and engineering concepts.
- Design a sculpture that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Create a model of a bridge that incorporates both aesthetic and functional elements.
Who Can Participate
- High School students are encouraged to work in a group of up to 4 students, if this is not possible then individual participation is acceptable.
- No previous knowledge of 3D/CAD modelling is required. Free training will be provided to registered participants.
Teachers are encouraged to use this competition as an opportunity to introduce their students to Coding and offer Coding as a regular subject in term 3/4. We have created detailed lesson plans and offer teacher training and support to assist you throughout the process.
- Register yourself for the competition along with your students. You are able to copy and paste student details in the registration form.
- Attend teacher's briefing session that will outline all the essential competition details. This session equips you with the necessary information about the competition and will enable you to plan your term activities.
- Attend training session specifically tailored to teaching Scratch Coding in the classroom. This training will equip you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to confidently guide your students in their coding endeavors.
- Drop-in to online Town Hall sessions with our team where you can connect with other passionate educators who are also embarking on their coding teaching journey. This session serves as a valuable check-in following the initial training, offering a supportive environment where you can share experiences and receive guidance from your peers.
- Need more support? We are only an email away to address any questions or concerns you may have along the way. Our dedicated team is committed to assisting you in overcoming any challenges in your students entering this competition.
- Already Inspired? Want to fully immerse your school in the world of STEM learning, we encourage you to explore our school incursions. These immersive programs provide hands-on experiences and interactive activities that will ignite the passion for coding in your students, fostering a love for technology and innovation.
We are thrilled to offer libraries, community groups, and church groups a unique opportunity to engage in a fun and educational competition centered around STEM learning. Our comprehensive resource package is designed to make it easy for you to host this exciting program, encouraging young minds to explore the world of coding and engineering.
What We Offer:
Ready-Made Resource Package We provide a complete set of materials, including lesson plans, activity guides, and promotional resources, to help you run the competition smoothly. Our package is tailored to be user-friendly, requiring minimal setup, making it perfect for any group setting.
Free Face-to-Face Workshops We can offer free in-person workshops led by our expert educators. These workshops are a great way to kickstart the competition, offering hands-on experiences and inspiring young learners. To schedule a workshop, please contact us directly.
Comprehensive Training and Support We offer extensive training and ongoing support to ensure a seamless experience:
Easy Registration Process Register your group and participants through our easy-to-use registration form. You can conveniently copy and paste participant details, making the process straightforward and efficient.
Additional Opportunities For those eager to delve deeper into STEM learning, we offer immersive incursions. These programs provide hands-on activities and experiences that ignite a passion for technology and innovation, perfect for inspiring a love of learning in a supportive environment.
Get Started Today! Participating in this competition is a fantastic way to engage your community, foster a love for STEM, and provide valuable learning opportunities. To access the resource package or to inquire about workshops and additional support, please contact us. We look forward to partnering with you to make this a rewarding and inspiring experience for all involved.
What We Offer:
Ready-Made Resource Package We provide a complete set of materials, including lesson plans, activity guides, and promotional resources, to help you run the competition smoothly. Our package is tailored to be user-friendly, requiring minimal setup, making it perfect for any group setting.
Free Face-to-Face Workshops We can offer free in-person workshops led by our expert educators. These workshops are a great way to kickstart the competition, offering hands-on experiences and inspiring young learners. To schedule a workshop, please contact us directly.
Comprehensive Training and Support We offer extensive training and ongoing support to ensure a seamless experience:
- Briefing Session: A comprehensive session covering all essential competition details, helping you plan and integrate the activities into your programs.
- Scratch Coding Training: Online eLearning course followed by tailored sessions that provide the necessary skills to teach Scratch coding, empowering you to guide participants effectively.
- Online Town Hall Sessions: Connect with our team and other educators in regular online sessions. These serve as a platform for sharing experiences, addressing questions, and receiving support from peers.
Easy Registration Process Register your group and participants through our easy-to-use registration form. You can conveniently copy and paste participant details, making the process straightforward and efficient.
Additional Opportunities For those eager to delve deeper into STEM learning, we offer immersive incursions. These programs provide hands-on activities and experiences that ignite a passion for technology and innovation, perfect for inspiring a love of learning in a supportive environment.
Get Started Today! Participating in this competition is a fantastic way to engage your community, foster a love for STEM, and provide valuable learning opportunities. To access the resource package or to inquire about workshops and additional support, please contact us. We look forward to partnering with you to make this a rewarding and inspiring experience for all involved.
What Are the Prizes?
Each year group will have three prizes as per below.
First Prize
Individual Prize:
- VIP experience in the Snowy Hydro Immersive Theatre – Discovery Centre Cooma
- STEM prize pack to the value of $100
- Food and drink catered for at the Discovery Centre Cafe
- Sculpture by the Sea Prize Pack
- Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi Kids’ Guide or Exhibition Catalogue (High School Students)
- Sculpture by the Sea limited edition surfing dog cap
- Sculpture by the Sea 2025 calendar
Group Prize:
- VIP experience in the Immersive theatre – Discovery Centre Cooma
- STEM gift bag for each member of the group
- Food box each and drink catered for at the Discovery Centre Cafe
- Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi Kids’ Guide or Exhibition Catalogue (High School Students)
Second Prize
- STEM prize pack to the value of $75
- Sculpture by the Sea Prize Pack
- Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi Kids’ Guide or Exhibition Catalogue (High School Students)
- Sculpture by the Sea limited edition surfing dog cap
- Sculpture by the Sea 2025 calendar
Third Prize
- Sculpture by the Sea Prize Pack
- Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi Kids’ Guide or Exhibition Catalogue (High School Students)
- Sculpture by the Sea limited edition surfing dog cap
- Sculpture by the Sea 2025 calendar
- AARAS Education School Holiday Program (Face to Face or Online)
All participants will receive an appreciation certificate from AARAS Education.
Any costs or expenses which are incurred by a Prize Winner(s) in connection with a Prize including travel are the responsibility of the Prize Winner. Sculpture by the Sea Prize Pack is subject to availability and items may be replaced with an alternative piece. AARAS Education term or school holiday programs are subject to acceptance of terms and conditions.
All participants will receive an appreciation certificate from AARAS Education.
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
| STEM Competition Registration Opens | 1 July 2024 |
|
Learn to Code/CAD Workshops – for students (Year 2+ and High School) |
30 Sep – Parramatta Library – 1.30pm to 4.30pm (FREE) 1 Oct – Liverpool Library – Year 2-6 Coding Session – 9.30am to 11.30am (FREE) 1 Oct – Liverpool Library – High School CAD Session – 1pm to 3.30pm (FREE) 4 Oct – Wentworth Point Library – 1.30pm to 4.30pm (FREE) 8 Oct – Online – 9.30am to 12.30pm 11 Oct – Burwood Library – 1.30pm to 4.30pm (FREE) More sessions will be listed soon and communicated to registered participants |
|
Online session for teachers |
Bespoke sessions for Teachers/Library Coordinators – Please contact us or register to organise a bespoke session. |
| Entries Due | 8th Nov 2024 |
| Winners Announced | 29th Nov 2024 |
Registration
Please read the following registration instructions below.
- Please complete the registration form below. Kids under the age of 13 will need their parent or legal guardian to fill out the form.
- All registrations are confirmed subject to the acceptance of our Competition Terms and Conditions.
- On registration, you will receive an acknowledgment from hello@welovestem.com.au email address. Please add this email address to your safe list as we will send future correspondence from this email address. Please check your junk mail folders if you do not receive this email in a few minutes after registration.
Registration Form
Submission
- How to Submit Entries
- Submission Form:
Access the form at Student Submission Form.Enter all requested details:
Fill in the form with all necessary information, including your name, year level, and any additional required details.For Years 2 to 6:- Copy and paste your Scratch Project link into the designated field.To find your Scratch Project link, navigate to “See Project Page” on Scratch, then select “Copy Link.” Paste the link into the submission form.
- Upload any photos or videos of your model.Save the file name as your full name before uploading.
- Upload any videos, documents, or photos of your CAD model and design process.If you are working in a team, please include the full names of all team members and their parent email addresses in the submission form. Ensure that the uploaded files clearly present your design, the process you followed, and the engineering concepts you applied.
- Submission Form:
