SUBS in Schools Technology Challenge
Despite a late start to their project the Great North Lake Sharks won the Best Sea Trial prize at the recent SUBS in Schools Technology Challenge held at North Lake Senior Campus.
SUBS in Schools is a concept of the REA Foundation and organised in WA by the School Pathways Program. It requires school teams to design and build a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). On the day of the challenge the teams are judged on their marketing and expo booth; an oral presentation; their computer aided drawing (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) folio and a “sea trial” in the North Lake pool.
The Sharks were Ruqiah (team leader), Fizullah (engineer) and assistants Masooma and Ziba. In the lead-up to the Challenge the Sharks received help from Cameron, a member of the 2017 SUBS in Schools team the North Lake Tridents, and Murdoch University graduate Nick who provides technical support for the School Pathways Program. The students worked on the project during Integrated Science classes and during breaks.
There was drama at the start of the sea trial when the ROV motor failed but after a quick adjustment things went very well and the Sharks won the category.
Before the Challenge Fizullah wrote on the Sharks Facebook page: We don’t aim to be the most important team in the competition. We strive to constantly do our best, so as to manifest the best in ourselves.
Ruqiah said leading the team and taking part in the project had been surprising and exciting. “I had no educational background in this area but just wanted to try my best. It’s an experience I think I can now use in my future career.
“One of the most important things was working in a group. Everyone has different skills and ways of doing things, As leader it was important for me not to discourage anyone.” She said the SUBS in Schools Technology Challenge had been an unexpected opportunity that had influenced her greatly: “I love science and want to continue my career in science subjects.”
Meanwhile Fizullah again took to Facebook to express his appreciation: Thanks NL for giving Sharks the opportunity… as well as my great teachers (Mike Van Halteren & Belinda Schmolke) for their lucrative support…
