Hundreds of students across NSW have been taking part in STEM events, including one where a new Australian record was set, organised by the Science Teachers’ Association of New South Wales (STANSW).

Over 600 students recently took part in the state finals of the 2016 NSW All Schools Paper Plane Challenge, held in conjunction with the University of Sydney Open Day.

Performances reached amazing heights with a new Australian Distance Record for a school student set by Nick Holland, a Year 3 student from Balgowlah Heights Public School. Competing indoors under the watchful eye of Dylan Parker, whose World Championship exploits inspired the hit Australian movie “Paper Planes”, Nick launched a plane that soared into the back wall of the stadium over 35m away.

Nick Holland, Year 3 Balgowlah Heights Public School, new Australian record holder for distance

STANSW Young Scientist Coordinator, Stuart Garth, described the Paper Plane Challenge, which is now into its second year, as “an exhilarating STEM event that’s now a permanent fixture in the NSW school calendar”.

Meanwhile across the other side of the University, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki was presenting awards to the winners of the IIATE Institute of Industrial Arts Technology Education (IIATE) Models and Innovation Awards, one of the major categories of the STANSW Young Scientist Awards.

 IIATE Models and Innovations winners with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Monique Dalli (IIATE), Brian Barter (IIATE Vice President) and Stuart Garth (STANSW Young Scientist Awards Coordinator)

With over 600 NSW K-12 students submitting projects in scientific investigations, models and innovations and working mathematically categories, BOSTES Science Inspector, Kerry Sheehan encourages teachers and students of science and mathematics throughout NSW to participate in the Young Scientists Awards and next year's All Schools Paper Plane Challenge. "These competitions are a great opportunity for students to showcase their talents in STEM."

Both events were supported by the STEM professional teacher associations, IIATE and the Mathematical Association of NSW (MANSW).

Further information about the STANSW Young Scientist Awards and the NSW All Schools Paper Plane Challenge can be found via their website.

For more information, contact:
Kerry Sheehan
Inspector, Science
kerry.sheehan@bostes.nsw.edu.au
(02) 9367 8144