Australind students think way outside the box.
Could you use recycled materials to create an emergency landing system, for an imaginary space exploration vehicle?
The students at Australind Senior High School have their system down-pat.The wacky assignments of the Opti-MINDS competition teach students that working together in creative ways towards sustainable solutions is the way of the future.
Covering literature, science, engineering and social sciences, the teams are given cryptic clues and complex problems to solve both in advance of the competition and on the spot.
The team of Australind students from Years 7 to 10 competed in the national finals in Brisbane recently, coming second in the literature division.
Teacher Kathryn Macnish said the competition allowed students to put their creative thinking skills to the test in a positive way.
“I was very proud of my students – they loved the atmosphere of the finals and thrived on the competition and challenge of solving problems in creative ways,” she said.
“The opportunity to talk with other like-minded students and hear their ideas helped my students to think outside the box. They have returned from the event with a new-found confidence.”
Year 10 student Janey Clifton said she learnt a lot during the competition.
“We loved it so much we want to make the finals again next year,” she said.
Teachers interested in getting their students involved in the Opti-MINDS competition can read more about it online.
