Science Programs
When I enrolled as into a bachelor of science, I had a faint idea of the direction I wanted to pursue and how to get there. During my first semester at university, I realized very quickly how little I knew about science and the different avenues you could pursue. Due to the subjects offered at high school, I believed that you could do biology, chemistry, physics or earth and environmental science - who knew that you could do astrobiology or soil science! I had no idea about the various avenues on offer, and how amazing and profound each field were.
During high school I would have relished at the opportunity to hear from or speak to real scientists, simply who they were and what they were doing. There is not a time when I have spoken to a scientist that I do not immediately see and feel their passion for what they are researching. Sometimes this has been enough to convince me to study that little bit harder to see that my goals are achieved.
Being involved in a science communication initiative delivering science to students, I can see how important the connections we make are. Some students benefit from speaking to current students and discussing how we ended up here and where we hope to go; other students are intrigued by the experiments we do, such as when we pool DNA together so that they may see it with the naked eye.
Students may interact with scientists and science students in various ways. Students may join up with work experience programs or volunteer with an organization. In addition, there are programs that host seminars or allow scientists and science students in schools as speakers or even as demonstrators of science activities.
I have added some opportunities on this page, however it is just a fraction of the opportunities that are out there.
During high school I would have relished at the opportunity to hear from or speak to real scientists, simply who they were and what they were doing. There is not a time when I have spoken to a scientist that I do not immediately see and feel their passion for what they are researching. Sometimes this has been enough to convince me to study that little bit harder to see that my goals are achieved.
Being involved in a science communication initiative delivering science to students, I can see how important the connections we make are. Some students benefit from speaking to current students and discussing how we ended up here and where we hope to go; other students are intrigued by the experiments we do, such as when we pool DNA together so that they may see it with the naked eye.
Students may interact with scientists and science students in various ways. Students may join up with work experience programs or volunteer with an organization. In addition, there are programs that host seminars or allow scientists and science students in schools as speakers or even as demonstrators of science activities.
I have added some opportunities on this page, however it is just a fraction of the opportunities that are out there.
National Programs
Engineers Without Borders
Develop problem solving, critical thinking, time management and teamwork skills in various workshops exploring photovoltaics, prosthetics, sustainability, constructing projects and water filter workshop Where - Brisbane, regional Queensland, South Australia, Melbourne, Western Australia, ACT and others Cost - Not specified Program available to - High school students Royal Australian Chemical Institute Crystal Growing and Titration Competitions Doing a titration has never been more serious or precise! The team to most accurately determine the concentration of an unknown solution wins! Where - Victoria, Queensland Cost - Not specified Program available to - Years 10, 11 and 12 Fizzics Education Science Shows and Workshops Programs are varied and very flexible, with some going for 15 minutes, to full day events. Learn about robotics, the human story, superconductors, chemsitry and telescopes! Where - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Regional areas Cost - Not specified Program available to - Various programs catering for years 7-12 Fizzics Education After School Science Club For Kids Around the World Host a science club at your school during lunch or after school. Students can complete up to 2 experiments each week, designed to be carried out by the students with minimal assistance. Where - Anywhere with internet connection! Cost - $150 pw and approximately $5 per student for materials Program available to - Ages 7 - 12 (other students are welcome, but will be run in a seperate session) Fizzics Education School Science Show Visits For Rural and Remote Australian Schools Programs are varied and very flexible, with some going for 15 minutes, to full day events. Learn about robotics, the human story, superconductors, chemsitry and telescopes! To reduce the cost of the experience, you may wish to partner with neighbouring schools and funding for rural and remote schools science shows is often available Where - Rural and remote areas Cost - Depends on distance from Sydney, Melbourne of Brisbane Program available to - Various programs cater from kindergarten to year 12 students Fizzics Education Packs Like the above programs offered by Fizzics Education? Why not book an education package! Bundles offered catering from kindergarten to year 12 in biological sciences, chemical sciences, earth and space sciences and physical sciences... all at a reduced cost! Where - Cost - $1512 for an 8 workshop package over two days to $3570 for a 20 workshop package over 5 days! Program available to - Years kindergarten to year 12 CREST Support the CREST program at your school to allow students to pursue a topic in science and technology of interest to them. On completion of a project, certificates are awarded, and at some levels, a medallion from the CSIRO. Incorporate the project as part of a gifted and talented program, after school science program, in your classroom for all to enjoy and even as part of formal assessment! Suggested projects include analysing salt-tolerance in plants, the effect of temperature on tennis ball bounce, the growth of bacteria, the effect of chilli on micro-organisms and so much more - even create your own! Where - Australia wide Cost - Some higher awards, such as the silver and gold awards, require an individual fee due to the extra support required to complete projects Program available to - Primary and secondary students How to apply - Your school must register with the national CREST office University of New South Wales Computing ProgComp Compete with teams across Australia for prize money and scholarships to UNSW! Where - Australia wide (Grand final in Sydney) Cost - TBA Program available to- High school students Get Into Genes Investigate cell structure, extract DNA, and talk about DNA fingerprinting, electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction Where - South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria Cost - Free Program available to - Years 9-12, but check what is offered in your state Queensland
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics High School Engagement Programs
Workshop programs offered in astrophysics, robotics, maths, reef exploration, engineering, or have a student ambassador promote tertiary studies, and inform students of the course and career choices they have Where - Sydney Cost - Not specified Program available to - Different programs available to various levels of high school students Experience Science Participate in a series of hands on, interactive science activities in a full day workshop Where - St Lucia, Gatton Cost - Not specified Program available to - Years 10 - 12 QIMR Berhofer Medical Research Institute Day In the Life of a Scientist Over a jam packed 5 hour day, tour a world class medical research laboratory, talk to researchers, and carry out a hands on investigation. The institute researches cancer, infectious diseases, mental health and complex diseases looking at cell and molecular biology, immunology, genetics and computational biology, and population health Where - Brisbane, Queensland Program available to - Year 11 and 12 students How to apply - TBA QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute High School Lecture Series Listen to seminars from leading scientists, tour a laboratory and particpiate in a question and answer sceince career forum with the panel made up of scientists from various backgrounds Where - Brisbane, Queensland Program available to- 30 local students or 50 non local students from year 11 and 12 How to apply - Complete an application form |
New South Wales
Discover Engineering
Participate in engineering activities, and listen to presentations from student and professional engineers. Gain insight into what a career in engineering is all about Where - Sydney Cost - $20 per student Program available to - Year 10 and 11 students Junior health cadets Learn basic clinical and medical science skills through hands on experiences learning about body systems and resuscitation Where - Griffith Cost - $30 Program available to- 25 students from year 6 and 7 How to apply - Directly contact relevant person University of New South Wales School Of Aviation School Visits Organise a lecture for students interested in a bachelor of aviation to discuss program overview, curriculum, UAC requirements, Flying licenses, Fees etc. Where - Sydney Cost - Not specified Program available to - Schools with a minimum of 5 students interested in a bachelor of aviation University of New South Wales School of Physics Talks Speak to a real physicist to discover what options are available in terms of courses and your career or learn how Einstein and Newton created a whole new understanding of the universe Where - Sydney Cost - Not specified Program available to- Year 11 and 12 students University of New South Wales Star Lab What better way to learn about the night sky than with a portable planetarium! Where - Sydney Cost - Not Specified Program available to- High school students (the lab fits 25-30 students) University of New South Wales Telescope Opportunities Book a portable 8" Meade GPS telescope or go an excursion and visit a 14" Celestron telescope guided by enthusiastic presenters Where - Sydney Cost - Not specified Program available to- High school University of New South Wales School of Chemistry On Campus/Off Campus Visits Analyse fatty acids in an oil sample, prepare biodiesal and analyse unknown substances with various analytical instruments during on campus workshops. Alternately, have the team visit your school to deliver workshops, lectures and/or information talks Where - Sydney Cost - Not specified Program available to- Years 7 - 12 University of New South Wales Robotics Workshops Participate in a specialised robotics workshop and experience the thrill of building your own robot Where - Sydney Cost - Not specified Program available to- Primary and high school students! Science Outreach at UTS Be involved in a practical workshop and demonstrations in physics, mathematics, chemistry, forensics, material science, nanotechnology, microbiology, environmental sciences and many more Where - Sydney Cost - Free! Program available to- Years 10 -12 students Australian national maritime museum School Visits Learn about marine archaeology, speak to whale researchers, cover chemistry topic shipwrecks, corrosion and conservation through case studies, look at what happens to rubbish when it enters our drains and waterways Where - Sydney Cost - Not specified Program available to - Tailored programs available to kindergarten to year 12 students Kickstart Science Kickstart workshops are designed to support the HSC syllabus in the areas of biology, chemistry, physics in Sydney, with travelling workshops in physics and biology (specific dates and areas are set). Workshops run for 2-3 hours Where - Sydney Cost - $27.50 per student Program available to - HSC students Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research The institute offers specialised talks and career seminars from young researchers, whilst offering vocational assistance and mentoring programs with an interest in encouraging students to pursue a career in medicine, nursing and medical research Where - Liverpool, Fairfield, Bankstown, Campbelltown Cost - Not specified Program available to - High school students CUDOS an ARC Centre of Excellence CUDOS offers school visits, optics in the outback, tutorials, and provides classroom and online resources. The programs are designed to simulate interest and encourage wider participation in physics and equip teachers with the resources to do so Where - Sydney and rural areas (select opportunities) Cost - Not specified Program available to - Years 7 - 11 Australian Capitol TerritoryQuestacon School Workshops
Build and program robots, construct simple submersibles, build cranes and many more hands on opportunities! Where - Canberra Cost - $13 per student per session Program available to - Not specified |