Hundreds of high school science students from across the Gold Coast left their textbooks behind this week to test their skills at the 2013 Science and Engineering Challenge.

Hosted by Griffith University in the grounds of the Queensland Academy for Health Sciences at Southport, the challenge provides year 9 and 10 students with the opportunity to test their knowledge and skills in a fun and competitive environment.

Griffith’s Science Education Alliance Coordinator Louise Maddock said the benefit of the program lies in its practical nature.

“Through a series of hands-on enquiry activities, students work together in teams to develop their knowledge of the principles of science and engineering,” Ms Maddock said.

“This is an important time for high school students, when they have to start following their interests and making career choices,” she said.

Gold Coast light rail Project Director Simon Bradbury said: "We are proud to sponsor the Gold Coast Science and Engineering competition and see the talent coming through our city’s schools.

Events like this are a great way to support the next generation of scientists and engineers providing them with hands-on experience before they leave school.

Gold Coast light rail is a big supporter of the Women in Engineering initiative and it's wonderful to see so many participants in the Bridge Bust competition."

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