School students get a taste of scientific adventure

January 17, 2007

The University of New England is welcoming high-school students from throughout northern NSW into its laboratories this week, giving them an experience of real, hands-on science.

The annual Siemens Science Experience allows students entering Year 10 to get a taste of experimental work in a university laboratory, and to meet, listen to, and interact with leading scientists in a variety of fields.

Jim Sonnemann, the National Director of The Siemens Science Experience (TSSE), visited UNE during this year's event, which is running from Tuesday 16 to Thursday 18 January.

Mr Sonnemann explained that almost all of Australia's universities were involved in the program, which aimed to develop students' interest in science, and to encourage them to continue with science in senior secondary school and at university. "It gives them an idea of the breadth of the sciences, and the opportunities that exist for careers in science, engineering and technology," he said.

This week, more than 50 high-school students are conducting experiments in UNE laboratories in disciplines as diverse as physics, chemistry, robotics, zoology, psychology, microbiology and physiology. They are also attending a series of short, entertaining lectures (with titles such as "The code of life" and "The chicken or the egg") presented by some of UNE's most distinguished scientists.

Associate Professor Jim McFarlane, director of the Siemens Science Experience program at UNE, said: "The laboratory sessions are designed to give the students an opportunity to use research equipment, and to experience some of the things that scientists do on a day-to-day basis." (THE PHOTOGRAPH displayed here shows Jim Sonnemann, left, and Associate Professor Jim McFarlane.)

The laboratory activities at UNE this year include extracting DNA, examining microbes, analysing musical sounds, and programming robots.

Mr Sonnemann said that a survey conducted in 2005 revealed that 83 per cent of participants in TSSE had felt more motivated, as a result of the program, to continue with science in Years 11 and 12. "The findings of the study indicate that participants' attitudes to science did change as a result of their involvement in hands-on activities provided by TSSE," he said.

TSSE, sponsored nationally by Siemens and organised by The Science Schools Foundation, is conducted at universities with the support of local Rotary Clubs and with the involvement of Young Scientists of Australia.

In addition to their academic activities, the students gain valuable experience of life on a university campus. At UNE there is the opportunity to stay in a student residence on campus and, in the evenings, to take part in a wide range of games and sporting activities at Sport UNE under the direction of trained instructors.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at January 17, 2007 04:42 PM