Nuclear-powered Submarine Propulsion Challenge

The federal Department of Defence has teamed up with STEM Hub to offer students an exciting project-based learning experience, with the Nuclear-powered Submarine Propulsion Challenge.

The challenge asks students from years 7 to 12 to work together in teams, using their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills to design a nuclear-powered propulsion system for a submarine.

We’re encouraging schools to register teams of 3 to 5 students to work together on the project. Schools can register as many teams as they’d like.

The STEM Hub submission portal opens Friday 18 August 2023, so there are still a few weeks left to get your students together and working on their designs.

Program details 

Teams must submit a design to meet specific engineering and scientific criteria about nuclear-powered submarines. 

Each team will need to submit a video presentation explaining their design, and all participants are expected to participate in a range of in-class and extra-curricular activities.

Winners will be chosen from each Australian state and territory in junior (years 7 to 9) and senior (years 10 to 12) divisions.

Winners will visit the HMAS Stirling in Western Australia to see how submarines work. This includes flights and 2 nights’ accommodation (up to 5 students and 2 teachers or guardians).

Challenge entry is free and registrations are open. To register, refer to Nuclear-powered Submarine Propulsion Challenge.

Key dates

• Friday 18 August 2023: challenge submission portal opens 
• Friday 15 September 2023: last day for challenge submissions
• Monday 16 October 2023: winning teams notified
• Sunday 10 to Friday 15 December 2023: Western Australian tours for winning teams.

Find out more

For more information, including entry requirements and prize details, refer to Nuclear-powered Submarine Propulsion Challenge on STEM hub. 

For further enquiries about the challenge, contact STEM Hub by email: nuclearchallenge@stemhub.com.au

For general STEM education enquiries, contact the department by email: mathematics@education.vic.gov.au