On Tuesday, 6 May, 32 students headed off to the Inveresk UTAS Campus for the Science & Engineering Challenge 2025.

Eight different teams were involved in design, problem solving and construction challenges that involved activities, such as, house and bridge design, flight, communication, fish traps and wind power.

Riverside High School set a new distance record for the Balsa Glider and led the way in the Eco Habitat and Bridge Design.

Apart from the obvious design, construction and problem-solving elements the students worked in groups of four throughout the day so teamwork was an important element as well.

More importantly, all the participants enjoyed the day and embraced the different challenges; which were sometimes times well outside their comfort zone, with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

After the final exhilarating Bridge Challenge was completed and scores tallied, Riverside High School was a clear leader in this round of the Northern Heat, which gives us a direct ticket to the State Final on Monday, 19 May, in Hobart.

Stephen Hindrum