USQ to host hands-on science experience

Dancing robots, a mouldy murder and dogs in science are some of the activities awaiting 29 year 10 students from across Queensland and NSW in the Siemens Science Experience to be held at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) next week from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 January 2008.

Faculty Marketing and Executive Officer for the Faculty of Sciences at USQ Mary McGilvray said the event was a great opportunity for school students to experience activities in many different areas of science.

'The Siemens Science Experience is managed nationally by the Science Schools Foundation Inc and sponsored by Siemens,' Mrs McGilvray said.

'It aims to introduce students to as many aspects of science, engineering and technology studies as possible, with the hope that they will continue these studies in upper secondary school years and at university.'

The program is supported by the Australian Science Teachers Association and Rotary.

2008 is the first year USQ has hosted the Siemens Science Experience, with staff organising a busy schedule to keep the students engaged.

'Students will see robots dance; learn to program a simple flight simulator game; indulge in a feast for the senses; learn how athletes can improve performance; and have some seriously good fun with chemistry just on the first day,' Mrs McGilvray said.

'Day 2 includes a visit to the DPI&F on Tor Street and the Leslie Research Station.  Students will meet Norm the Sniffer Dog; see how odours are sampled via a wind tunnel from intensive livestock facilities; understand the effects of insects on crops and how they are managed; and learn how to get the weeds before they get you.'

Students will also view the night sky at USQ's public astronomy facility on the Wednesday evening if weather is permitting.

'Day 3 will see students trying to solve a mouldy murder.  Some pearls of geometry, ancient to modern, will be cultivated and hair samples analysed and identified,' she said.

'Bridges will also be built and tested and the results demonstrated at the farewell afternoon tea.'

Having such a hands-on experience helps to educate the students about the various opportunities a career in science can offer, Mrs McGilvray said.

'It gives them more of an interest and a feel for science in the real world. It shows students that science isn't all just about sitting in a lab.'

Students will also be joined by mentors from the Young Scientists' Association over the three days.

There are still places available in the program.  Applications can be sourced online at: www.scienceexperience.com.au. Applications will still be accepted until Monday 21 January.
 
Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559