Engineers from Boeing have mentored students from years 7 to 10 from Maitland Grossmann High School in a series of science and technology workshops.

Boeing has a facility at Williamtown RAAF base just outside Newcastle.

Year 7 and 8 students heard from the engineers about space projects, before dividing into groups to design and build model Mars landers.

Students from years 9 and 10 were similarly mentored by the engineers, constructing a model aircraft with sustainability in mind.

During the workshop, students tested the models by dropping them from a height onto a giant topographical map of Mars. They also test-launched the aircraft.

Shane Dryden, the STEM Project Officer for the Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence, said the school was grateful to Boeing for supporting the work it does to help students connect what they learn in class with potential careers.

“While we’re not expecting students to be buying a ticket to Mars in the immediate short term, hearing about the theory and engineering behind what it would take is hugely engaging,” said Shane.

“In the same way, addressing the need to fly while cutting the carbon footprint of the world’s existing aircraft fleet is a challenge being tackled, but which will need more smart people in future.

“Helping to forge the connection in young people’s minds between their schoolwork and how they’ll be able to make a difference after school is the motivation behind these workshops and all the activities of the Academy.”

The students wrapped up the workshops with presentations on their designs and how they performed.