Think Big, Dream Big: Caningeraba Takes on the Tournament of Minds State Finals
From desertification and drawbridges to accidental masterpieces, our Tournament of Minds teams took on some seriously challenging problems at the State Finals at QUT Brisbane on Saturday 12 September and what an incredible day it was!
After six weeks of preparation for the Regional Finals and a further three weeks of intense preparation for State, our Social Science, STEM and Arts teams arrived ready to put their creativity, knowledge, teamwork and problem-solving skills to the ultimate test.
Social Science — Tomaroo Turmoil
Our Social Science team — Jazmin, Thea, Lilian, Hanna, Imogen, Neve and Freda — were challenged to explore the causes of desertification and its devastating consequences for an imaginary TOMaroo town. They needed to investigate ethical solutions while considering the cultural impacts of the environmental crisis.
The team had to combine science knowledge, creativity, ethical thinking and performance to communicate their solution no small task!
STEM — (Don't) Spill the B.E.A.N.S
Our STEM team — Levi, Sonny, Walker, Zac, Zachary, Louie and Tom — faced an engineering challenge that was anything but straightforward. They had to design and construct a bridge capable of spanning a set distance and supporting weight (baked beans!), while incorporating a moving mechanism that allowed boats to pass underneath.
And, of course, they couldn't just build it — they also had to produce scaled digital diagrams and explain the STEM principles behind their design. Engineering, mathematics, technology and creativity all had to come together to make their bridge work.
Arts — The Gallery of Accidents
Our Arts team — Hannah, Nova, Elsie, Mia, Stella, Mabel and Angelina — were challenged to explore the unexpected. They created three artworks born from accidents or misunderstandings, then explored how those unintended consequences could reveal deeper meanings within the artwork.
It was a challenge that required imagination, interpretation and artistic risk-taking — and the team certainly embraced it!
Thinking Fast Under Pressure
As well as their main challenges, every team completed a Spontaneous Challenge. Given a visual stimulus, they had just four minutes to brainstorm, analyse, think creatively and collaborate before presenting their response.
Four minutes. No second chances. Lots of ideas. Plenty of pressure!
Our students rose to the occasion beautifully, demonstrating the quick thinking, communication and teamwork that Tournament of Minds is all about.
And Then Came the Results…
After a long day of challenges, presentations, spontaneous thinking and plenty of nervous anticipation, the results were announced.
Social Science — HONOURS (2nd Place)
STEM — HONOURS (2nd Place)
Arts — STATE WINNERS!
Our incredible Arts team has now earned a place at the Tournament of Minds International Finals in Darwin in October! What an amazing achievement!
The day began with students departing for Brisbane at 6:00am and didn't finish until they arrived home around 7:00pm. But the long day was just one small part of the commitment these students have shown. Across the program, they have given up lunch breaks, after-school time and weekends to research, create, rehearse, problem-solve, redesign and work together.
Their dedication and work ethic have been truly inspiring.
As their coordinator, I am incredibly proud of every one of them. Their ability to tackle complex problems, persist when things don't work, listen to one another, think creatively and work as a team is something very special.
Thank You!
A huge thank you goes to Karen, Tyla, Jackie, Tara, Kelly and Candice for supporting our students throughout their preparation and generously giving their own time to the Tournament of Minds program.
An extra special thank you this round goes to Michelle, Renea, Tara and Kelly, who volunteered their Saturday to take on the important roles of room supervising and judging at the state finals. Tournament of Minds competitions are run entirely through the dedication of volunteers, and without people willing to give their time, these incredible opportunities simply would not exist.
We are also incredibly grateful to our classroom teachers for their flexibility and support while students participated in this demanding extracurricular program, and to our parents and families for supporting their children every step of the way.
But most importantly…
To our students:
You have challenged yourselves, supported each other, solved problems, thought outside the box and represented Caningeraba State School with such enthusiasm and pride.
We are so incredibly proud of you!
And now, the Arts team has a very exciting adventure ahead as they begin preparing and fundraising for the Tournament of Minds International Finals in Darwin.
Bring it on!