The Year 9 and 10 students will work closely with UNE academics and researchers to learn more about the practical application of science as part of the annual Science Experience held on the UNE campus from 12-14 January.
Forensic science, smart farm telemetry, neuroscience, insect sampling and preservation, solar car creation and racing, meat science and sausage making, health and medicine, and sport science are just some of the areas the young scientists will explore.
Tuesday evening the students, who are staying in Mary White College, will test their knowledge in very competitive rounds of science trivia and enjoy an ecology bushwalk and dinner at Dumaresq dam on the Wednesday.
UNE Discovery Program Leader Dr Kirsti Abbott said it had been a difficult year but amid the cancellations and missed opportunities students will be able to get a taste of university life as science students.
“We are fortunate that the annual Science Experience, supported by ConocoPhillips and Santos, are able to go ahead in a COVID-safe environment according to the latest government guidelines,” Dr Abbott said.
“UNE’s research and teaching facilities will be the focus of the week. Researchers facilitate hands on practical sessions to boost the skills of students who have mostly done science education online in 2020, and open up the wider world of science research and collaborations beyond a typical science classroom.
“The three-day camp encourages students to become part of campus life, and with the encouragement and support from experts in the field, build networks and inspire confidence to pursue their scientific interests into the future.”
The annual Science Experience is a national program that gives students interested in science an opportunity to engage in a range of scientific activities across a variety of disciplines. More than 35 universities and tertiary institutions across the country take part each year, with more than 68,000 students having taken up the opportunity to date.
Many of the students who attend were afforded the chance with the help of their local Rotary Club, who sponsor places.
Applications for 2022 will open in November of this year. Keep an eye out for the announcement as the program is very popular and spaces fill up fast.
More on the annual Science Experience: https://www.scienceexperience.com.au/
