Science Experience bridges the gap between school and university

More than 180 high school students from Queensland and New South Wales will converge on The University of Queensland next week to discover the wonders of science and technology.

The Siemens Science Experience, which runs from January 20 to 22, will be a fun three days of hands-on science activities for students about to enter Year 10. Participants will visit mine sites and museums and will take part in various laboratory workshops conducted by some of UQ’s leading scientific minds.

UQ director of The Siemens Science Experience Dr Adrian Bradley said the university environment would provide experiences not normally available in schools.

“Often the bridge between school and university is a large one to cross. The Siemens Science Experience demystifies university and gives students a hands-on opportunity to learn from various experts and find out what careers are available within the scientific field,” Dr Bradley said.

Workshops will cover areas including anatomy, physics, engineering, mathematics, entomology and robotics. Students will use radiotracking equipment to undertake a survey of species not usually found around the St Lucia campus and will be challenged to build a microscope using nothing more than common household materials.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Development) Professor Trevor Grigg will deliver the welcoming address at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, January 20 at the Steele Lecture Theatre at 9am. The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences (BACS) Professor Mick McManus and acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture (EPSA) Professor John Eccleston will also attend the ceremony.

The Director of Studies for BACS Professor Susan Hamilton will deliver an address of encouragement to Queensland’s future scientists during the closing ceremony at the UQ Centre on Thursday, January 22. About 300 students attending The Siemens Science Experience hosted by Griffith University and Queensland University of Technology will join the UQ participants for the closing ceremony.

During the ceremony The National Science and Technology Centre, Questacon, will present their Smart Moves show highlighting Australian innovations and inventions that have changed the way we live today.

The Siemens Science Experience was introduced in Melbourne in 1990 and is currently operated by 34 universities throughout Australia.

The event is supported by Rotary and Queensland Rotarians will play an active role in hosting and supervising students. Program sponsors include Education Queensland and the Department of Innovation and Information Economy.

For photos, contact Photo Library Coordinator Diana Lilley (telephone 07 3365 2753, email d.lilley@uq.edu.au).

Media: For more information, contact Dr Adrian Bradley (telephone 07 3365 3386 or mobile 0419796553 or email a.bradley@uq.edu.au) or Chris Saxby at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2479, email c.saxby@uq.edu.au).