Published on the 5th June 2015 by ANSTO Staff
This week South Coast school students have been discovering the wonders of what scientists and engineers do day-to-day, thanks to the University of Wollongong’s STEM Roadshow.
The STEM Roadshow came to Bulli High School on Wednesday and Corrimal High School today, and promotes Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to Year 8, 9 and 10 students.
This year, ANSTO is sponsoring the event, and is joining the representatives from the UOW in their visits to regional NSW schools.
The students are invited to participate in up to nine hands-on STEM activities, including an ANSTO “half-life simulation” and activities as abstract as bicycle-mixed milkshakes.
For 20 minutes today, Corrimal High students became nuclear scientists as they replicated the decay of a radioisotope and graphed the results.
Keira MP, Mr Ryan Park, was delighted to hear about the enthusiastic engagement of the kids during the Roadshow.
“Getting school students interested and excited about STEM subjects is important for their future and for our economy,” said Mr Park.
“Today they may only be in high school, but sometime soon they will be looking at University degrees, and then moving into the workforce.
“Australia needs young scientists, technicians, engineers and mathematicians to continue our growth in the industries, and we need their bright young minds.
“I congratulate ANSTO and UOW for encouraging kids towards these fields, because the work they may one day do could have far reaching benefits for both Australia and the global community.”
As well as participating in events like the Roadshow, ANSTO runs many exciting, educational programs out of the Discovery Centre at Lucas Heights which is open to the public for exploration.