Community Outreach

The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment organises a range of community outreach events and programs throughout the year. These events provide students and other community members an opportunity to engage with exciting technology through different activities and learn about the importance of engineering in our everyday lives.

Contact Jenny Taylor to find out more about our upcoming events or to get involved.

Proposed 2012 RoboCupJunior, Newcastle Regional Competition

The University of Newcastle, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment are proposing to host a 2012 Newcastle Regional Junior Robo Cup competition, however we can’t host a competition without dedicated teachers and parents to help run the event.

RoboCupJunior is a project-oriented educational initiative that sponsors local, regional and international robotic events for young students. It is designed to introduce RoboCup to primary and secondary school children, as well as undergraduates who do not have the resources to get involved in the senior leagues.

The junior league’s focus is education. RoboCup is an international effort whose purpose is to foster Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics research by providing a standard problem where a wide range of technologies can be integrated and examined. Visit RoboCupJunior.org.au for more information about the program.

Since 2009 there has been no regional competition held in Newcastle meaning that participating school students have had to travel to the Sydney Regional event. We are calling for expressions of interest from teachers and parents who would like to be involved in the organising committee to coordinate the 2012 Newcastle event.

To help resurrect the event, contact Jenny Taylor on 02 4921 7840 or email jenny.taylor@newcastle.edu.au.

What is Engineering? – Visit us and find out!

Experience Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Newcastle

Mechatronics engineering is an exciting discipline that combines skills from mechanical, electrical and software engineering to design complex systems like robots, vehicles, and other autonomous computer-controlled systems in industry.

Students and teachers are invited on campus for a 2-hour Mechatronics Engineering experience. They will have the opportunity to come into one of our labs, where we will introduce mechatronics engineering and systems as well some really cool activities.

Students will learn about robotics, autonomous helicopter systems, bungee jumping and active suspension for cars. The undertaken activities involve mathematical modelling and computer-simulation aided design.

Sessions are offered every second Monday from 5 March 2012 and are limited to a maximum of 25 students in each session. The activities can be targeted to students from Year 9 to year 12 students.

To discuss your student visit contact Associate Professor Tristan Perez (Leader of the Mechatronics Program) at Tristan.Perez@newcastle.edu.au or Jenny Taylor at jenny.taylor@newcastle.edu.au.

Chemical Engineers – What do they do?

Chemical engineering is a core part of our everyday life. Chemical engineers are involved in transforming raw materials into essential products that society relies on to function. For example, chemical engineers help power stations run safely and efficiently, make petrol and diesel, face creams and shampoos; they even make beer and wine!

Chemical engineering uses chemistry, mathematics, mechanical and civil engineering, and even physics to solve important problems facing society. Energy resources and energy efficiency are just two of the challenges being tackled by chemical engineers. A key part of an engineer’s function is to develop new technologies into useful solutions, such as hydrogen fuel cells, solar panels, and geothermal plants.

Students are invited on campus to take part in a hydrogen fuel cell car activity. The students will be introduced to the technology behind hydrogen fuel cells, and will be given hands-on experience with model cars powered by these cells.

The activities are available on 15th and 29th March, 26th April, and 10th and 24th May 2012. They can be tailored for students from Years 9 to 12, and are suited to groups of up to 25 students.

For more information contact Dr Grant Webber at Grant.Webber@newcastle.edu.au. To book your visit contact jenny.taylor@newcastle.edu.au or call 02 4921 7840.

Women in Engineering High Tea

Students from year 10 to 12 and staff are invited to the University’s Women in Engineering High Tea on Friday 16 March 2012.

The Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment supports its female students and hosts a range of fun activities like this event to help students establish support networks and to communicate the many opportunities available when you choose engineering and building as a course of study and career option.

Come along to High Tea to listen to some really interesting graduate career stories, meet our female engineering, architecture and building students, find out what study and careers in these industries is really like and why our graduates love their work.

Numbers are limited so call Jenny Taylor on 02 4921 7840 or email jenny.taylor@newcastle.edu.au to book.

Learning and Lego with Electrical Engineering

Students are invited on campus to take part in a Lego mind storm activity with our postgraduate students and academic staff.

The aim of the activity is to give students an idea about electrical engineering as a discipline and career option, and is suited to students in years 9 to 12.

For more information, or to get involved, contact Jenny Taylor on 02 4921 7840 or email jenny.taylor@newcastle.edu.au.

The Science and Engineering Challenge

The Science and Engineering Challenge is an outreach program conducted nationally by the University of Newcastle. It is designed to inspire students to study science and engineering at a senior level.

Up to 250 students participate in a series of exciting competitive activities on each Challenge day. These activities are designed to demonstrate the varied and practical elements of a career in the science and engineering industries. The Challenge takes the students out of the classroom and gives them a day of fun, teamwork and discovery.

Visit the Science and Engineering Challenge website for more information

Gifted and Talented Program at Merewether High

The Gifted and Talented Program is a University of Newcastle initiative, run in conjunction with Merewether High School (NSW Department of Education and Training), providing a pathway for exceptional students from all high schools to undertake first year university courses while attending school.

Applicants will be considered for admission to a non-award course on the basis of meeting the general requirements such as completing an Expression of Interest, interview and CV submission.

There are no age restrictions however applicants must display a suitable level of maturity and commitment. Further information found on Gifted and Talented Program website under "How to apply."