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An education festival replaced the bands at Gladstone on Friday as more than 80 students from five local high schools gathered at Chanel College to compete in a STEM Big Day Challenge.

The Year 9 students worked in teams to complete three science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities, each designed to test their problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills.

The challenge was delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), in partnership ConocoPhillips as the downstream operator of Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG).

Katrina-Lee Jones, QRC Director of Skills, Education and Diversity, said the QMEA was excited to be delivering Gladstone’s first STEM Big Day competition and building stronger pathways for students to an industry that significantly contributes to the local area.

“Gladstone is home to three LNG plants and supports many jobs in the region. Our STEM Big Day is an opportunity for students to see the diverse roles that can come from working in the gas industry and pathways to a career.

“The teams worked their way through physics, chemistry and robotic activities,” said Ms Jones.

The physics activity saw students design of a pulley system and demonstrating its capacity to move heavy loads and the chemistry challenge investigated the materials used in the construction and liquification of gas.

“The final challenge was to create a roaming robot and completing an obstacle course simulating an automated drone being operated in an LNG plant,” said Ms Jones.

Chantale Lane, APLNG ConocoPhillips Stakeholder Relations Manager, said they were thrilled to partner with the QMEA to deliver the first STEM Big Day in the region.

“The students impressed us with their scientific skills and their enthusiasm for the challenges,” said Ms Lane.

“The gas industry is a big part of our local community, and it was great to have the opportunity to share our passion for STEM with the students and give them some insights into the many aspects of our operations,” she said.

Five high schools participated in the competition: Chanel College, Gladstone SHS, Calliope SHS, Tannum Sands SHS and Toolooa SHS.

The overall winning school for Gladstone’s first STEM Big Day was: Tannum Sands State High School.