CHS was one of seven schools competing (CHS, Red Bend Catholic College, Forbes High, James Sheahan Catholic High, Parkes Christian, St Raphael’s Intermediate and Peak Hill Central School), with each school group consisting of eight teams of 2, 3 or 4 students per team.

During the day, each team worked on one or two challenge activities which involved designing and building model: bridges, chairs, sail boats, eco-houses, balloon powered cars, reticulating water systems, reflecting telescopes and fixed arm helicopters.

Each activity was scored on specific criteria, with individual activity winners and overall winners being announced.

Canowindra High School’s team of Theika McNaught, Philippa Myers, Courtney Wilson and Madison Vitnell were declared the Eco-House Activity Winners, designing and building a model house which withstood rigorous testing on its water harvesting efficiency, thermal efficiency, strength of rooftop helipad and storm/wind resistance.

The eco-house was also judged on its footprint size, the dollar value and carbon cost of materials used.

Overall winners on the day were Peak Hill Central School, who scored 1650.72 points, narrowly defeating CHS who scored 1650.51 points to be declared runner-up.