Whanganui students shine in science event

Students hard at work during the epro8 challenge at Rutherford Junior High. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

A science and engineering competition for schools proved so popular there was a waiting list for the Whanganui event.

The epro8 challenge was held at Rutherford Junior High on Thursday evening and Friday.

Organiser Kelvin Thiele said students competed in teams of four on a variety of different science and engineering projects.

"Each team has a work station with a whole of different tools, and they have two and a half hours to complete their projects."

This is the second time the nationwide event has been held in Whanganui, and Mr Thiele said many more teams than the maximum of 12 wanted to take part.

"We had a waiting list of about six - so we could almost have held another event," Mr Thiele said.

In the Years 7-8 category, Brunswick School was the winner; while St Anthony's School took out the Years 5-6 category.

Mr Thiele said the standard of entries had been very high.

He said the winners would go on compete in the epro8 challenge Manawatu-Whanganui regional semi-finals in Palmerston North.