School students to enjoy 'Science Experience' at UNE

December 21, 2007

Scientists at the University of New England are preparing for an annual event that brings school students into their laboratories for three days of hands-on scientific experience.

The Siemens Science Experience is a national program that gives students entering Year 10 an insight into the exciting potential of a career in science and the vital role of scientists in today's society.

This summer's Experience at UNE, for students entering Year 10 in 2008, will be from Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 January. As in previous years, organisers are expecting students from throughout northern NSW to participate in the three days of experiment and discovery. In addition to their scientific adventure, the students will gain valuable experience of life on a university campus. They will have the opportunity to stay in a student residence on campus and, in the evenings, to take part in games and sporting activities under the direction of trained instructors.

Their laboratory work will include investigations in a range of scientific disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, robotics, and physiology. They will also attend stimulating lectures by some of UNE's most distinguished scientists – lectures with titles such as "The life of birds", "The chicken or the egg", "Thunder and lightning", "The code of life", and "A chemist's view of energy".

An online application form for the Siemens Science Experience can be found at http://www.scienceexperience.com.au. For more information on the UNE event, ring Associate Professor Jim McFarlane, the director of the program at UNE, on 0408 365 071.

The program is conducted at 36 universities in association with local Rotary clubs, and with the support of Young Scientists of Australia and the Australian Science Teachers' Association. Dr McFarlane said it allowed students to meet professional scientists, and to work with them in laboratories equipped with cutting-edge technology. "We hope that the experience will inspire at least some of the students to pursue scientific studies through to tertiary level, and even to aim at careers in science," Dr McFarlane said.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at December 21, 2007 08:57 AM