12 February 2007
RMIT nurtures scientific talent through Siemens Science Experience
RMIT University hosted Australia’s next generation of scientists and engineers as part of the Siemens Science Experience from 16th to 18th January 2007.
The three-day program is only open to students entering Year 10, and gives the budding scientists a taste of the excitement and significance of science at university level.
The students got to go behind the scenes at the University and had the opportunity to perform experiments, meet and hear university lecturers, and experience life on a university campus.
The students all took part in hands-on practical experiments in physics, chemistry, biotechnology, medical science, computer science and engineering at the Bundoora and City campuses.
As well as the hands-on activities, there was be a series of mini lectures by working scientists. Subjects ranged from forensic science to the work of scientist in the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and life as a research scientist in Antarctica.
According to Program Coordinator Jason Walsh, the Siemens Science Experience gives school students a greater insight into science and engineering in a fun learning environment, with RMIT volunteers demonstrating that learning about science is not just about lab coats and test tubes, but about the world around them.
"The RMIT undergraduates inject a lot of energy and communicate very directly with the students," Mr Walsh said. "As role models they make an immediate impression.
"The hands-on activities involve all the students and it's great to see them excited about science - we get just as much of a buzz when they actually understand the experiments!"
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.