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The power behind hydraulic cranes was explored and modelled by Blackwater State High School students in a science workshop delivered this week by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) and Whitehaven Coal.

The Heavy Hydraulics workshop gave students from Years 7 and 8, a deeper understanding of how fluid forces can create a pressure pump, or piston, which is a core component of mechanical engineering.

Rebecca Vitale, Blackwater SHS principal, said the hands-on workshop gave the students the opportunity to problem-solve and work in teams to find solutions.

“The students worked in groups to create a model crane after learning about the physics of hydraulic forces –using the force of water to operate their crane,” said Ms Vitale.

“It was a great way to bring their physics lessons to life and show real examples of how machinery using hydraulic forces, like cranes, operate on a work site.”

Dan Iliffe, Regional General Manager Queensland from Whitehaven Coal said they were excited to be delivering the workshop to Blackwater students and giving the mechanical background to machinery essential to mining operations.

“The students had two lessons today – one on physics and another on careers they could follow in the resources sector,” said Mr Iliffe.

“Our experienced maintenance tradespeople joined the students and gave them some real examples of machinery using hydraulics and the types of roles involved in operating and maintaining this equipment including engineers, diesel fitters and electricians,” he said.

“It was a great opportunity for us to engage with the students and connect their studies to the world around them.”

For over 20 years the QMEA has been connecting school students with the resources industry by delivering trade and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) activities with a focus on how these study pathways can lead to a rewarding career in the resources sector.