Queensland's brightest science students attend UQ junior physics camp

Fifty-four of the state's brightest science students exercised their minds at the recent Junior Physics Olympiad Training School - the first camp of its type to be held at the University of Queensland.

Year 10 students from Cairns, Rockhampton, Goondiwindi, Brisbane and other regions of the State were introduced to the St Lucia campus and courses on offer at the camp, run voluntarily by 30 Physics Department undergraduates and postgraduates with the assistance of staff.

The students attended forums on relativity, cosmology and quantum technology as well as applying science in team projects to make gliders and experimenting with mass distribution while sitting on a rotating chair.

Honours student Gil Toombes said the camp introduced school students to the study of physics at University and gave University students the opportunity to share their knowledge through teaching.

During the camp, promising students were selected as potential entrants to train for selection in the national team to compete at the 30th International Physics Olympiad to be held in Italy in 1999.

The national finals will be held in September next year.

For more information contact Gil Toombes telephone 07 3365 3424