Published Wednesday, 14 February, 2007 at 09:21 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
TOYS, SPACE AND SLIME – CHILDREN’S SCIENCE PROGRAM REVS UP FOR 2007
The science behind great toys, life as an astronaut and how to make the slimiest slime are just some of the topics on offer this year in the State Government’s popular Science on Saturday program.
Minister for State Development John Mickel said the six-week program, soon to roll out across the State (from February 27), would give young people from 7-14 a chance to develop a lifelong interest in science.
“The whole idea of the program is to show children that science is fun, it’s interesting, it’s relevant to almost every aspect of their lives, and it’s something they can get involved in and do themselves,” he said.
“After all, who would have thought there was a science behind toys?
“But that’s the whole point of the program – studying science really is relevant to understanding the world around us, how it works and how it could work better.
“The reality is that today, in our knowledge-based economy, scientists are at the forefront of new discoveries and new technologies in every field, from mobile phones to medicine, from aviation to art restoration.
“We’re looking to the next generation to develop an interest in science and pursue that throughout their lives.
“But for those that pursue other valuable careers we hope to at least give them an appreciation of the role of science in society and its impact on them.”
Mr Mickel said children could sign up for the full six week program being delivered by the CSIRO or just attend sessions of interest to them. This year topics include:
• Toy science
• Construction science
• Food chemistry
• Science in Space
• Slime Time
• Weather Scientists
“This is a great program that lets children do the discovering with hands-on experiments and activities,” he said.
“Last year more than 3,000 Queensland children took part in Science on Saturday and the feedback was overwhelming – they loved it.
“I encourage parents to find out more about the program and get their children involved, particularly if they show an aptitude or interest in science – this could be the first step in a rewarding career for them.”
Since it was introduced by the State Government in 2004, more than 10,000 children throughout Queensland have participated in the program.
Term One locations for the program starting on 24 February are:
• Logan – Canterbury College
• Cairns – St Augustine’s College
• Toowoomba – Darling Heights State School
• Rockhampton – Rockhampton State High School
• Maryborough – Maryborough State High School
• Kingaroy – Kingaroy State High School
Bookings for the program are essential. Places cost $6 per session prepaid or $7 on the day. For more information or bookings, visit www.sd.qld.gov.au/sos or call 1300 302 649.
The Science on Saturday program will be offered in other regional centres throughout the year.
The State Government has contracted CSIRO to deliver the program across Queensland.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
14 February, 2007
Minister for State Development John Mickel said the six-week program, soon to roll out across the State (from February 27), would give young people from 7-14 a chance to develop a lifelong interest in science.
“The whole idea of the program is to show children that science is fun, it’s interesting, it’s relevant to almost every aspect of their lives, and it’s something they can get involved in and do themselves,” he said.
“After all, who would have thought there was a science behind toys?
“But that’s the whole point of the program – studying science really is relevant to understanding the world around us, how it works and how it could work better.
“The reality is that today, in our knowledge-based economy, scientists are at the forefront of new discoveries and new technologies in every field, from mobile phones to medicine, from aviation to art restoration.
“We’re looking to the next generation to develop an interest in science and pursue that throughout their lives.
“But for those that pursue other valuable careers we hope to at least give them an appreciation of the role of science in society and its impact on them.”
Mr Mickel said children could sign up for the full six week program being delivered by the CSIRO or just attend sessions of interest to them. This year topics include:
• Toy science
• Construction science
• Food chemistry
• Science in Space
• Slime Time
• Weather Scientists
“This is a great program that lets children do the discovering with hands-on experiments and activities,” he said.
“Last year more than 3,000 Queensland children took part in Science on Saturday and the feedback was overwhelming – they loved it.
“I encourage parents to find out more about the program and get their children involved, particularly if they show an aptitude or interest in science – this could be the first step in a rewarding career for them.”
Since it was introduced by the State Government in 2004, more than 10,000 children throughout Queensland have participated in the program.
Term One locations for the program starting on 24 February are:
• Logan – Canterbury College
• Cairns – St Augustine’s College
• Toowoomba – Darling Heights State School
• Rockhampton – Rockhampton State High School
• Maryborough – Maryborough State High School
• Kingaroy – Kingaroy State High School
Bookings for the program are essential. Places cost $6 per session prepaid or $7 on the day. For more information or bookings, visit www.sd.qld.gov.au/sos or call 1300 302 649.
The Science on Saturday program will be offered in other regional centres throughout the year.
The State Government has contracted CSIRO to deliver the program across Queensland.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
14 February, 2007