EngQuest 2011

EngQuest is a fun and interactive out-reach program for primary and middle school students Australia wide, which is an initiative of Engineers Australia. The program links to school’s curriculum in maths, science and technology and is free for participants.

EngQuest aims to raise the profile of the engineer and engineering teams and to promote the important role that the engineering profession has in society. It also encourages teachers and students to become excited about some of the science and mechanics involved in engineering.

Last year the program had a record number of students and volunteers involved. A total 42,700 students from all around Australia participated in the program and a team of 157 volunteers assisted. This year’s theme for EngQuest ties into The Year of Humanitarian Engineering. Students will be asked to pretend that they are a team of engineers whose job it is to plan a self sustaining community.

Through this activity, students will be able to develop understandings about the role, range and effects of engineering teams on communities, technologies and the environment. Students will develop a solid repertoire of creative thinking, risk-taking, decision-making, as well as problem-solving and improving their communication skills whilst developing their own communities.

The ‘Ask an Engineer Forum’ will continue to allow students to connect directly with engineers volunteering on the program. Volunteers will once again be visiting schools to interact with students and provide opportunities for them to become familiar with the field of engineering and gain valuable insight into this dynamic profession. A variety of learning levels will be catered for with the introduction of the new activity in 2011, from lower primary students - right through to middle school students, (years 7 and 8).

EngQuest was featured on Channel 10 News in South Australia. Watch the video to find out more.

For more information or to register as a volunteer visit www.engquest.org.au