Defence has launched a Nuclear-Powered Submarine Propulsion Challenge in Australian high schools, providing a new generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students the chance to win a trip to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia to see first-hand how submarines work.
The introductory-level, nationwide program will provide teachers with learning resources to help students design their own engineering plans for submarine nuclear propulsion.
The program aims to inspire students to discover how nuclear propulsion works and how it makes submarines more capable.
The winners from each state and territory will have the opportunity to take part in an immersive submariner experience at HMAS Stirling, the home base of Australia’s Collins-class submarines.
“The Nuclear-Powered Submarine Propulsion Challenge presents an opportunity for students across Australia to gain a greater appreciation of the STEM principles behind one of the most significant national projects ever undertaken in Australia, as we prepare to deliver nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy," Rear Admiral Jonathon Earley, Deputy Chief of Navy said.
“The classroom curriculum provided through this program seeks to inspire students to be more engaged with STEM subjects and see how they are practically applied in the real world. These students and others like them will be our future submariners, engineers and technicians.
“The winners will experience a visit to HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, tour a Collins-class submarine, dine with submariners and virtually drive a submarine through Sydney Harbour in the submarine bridge training simulator.”
The challenge is free to enter and open to all high school students in years 7–12.