Published Friday, 23 March, 2007 at 07:00 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
ON THE ROAD AGAIN: BIOBUS 2007 REVS UP AT BROWNS PLAINS HIGH
Minister for State Development John Mickel visited Browns Plains State High School this morning to kick off the Queensland Government’s 2007 BioBus Queensland-wide tour.
Delivered in collaboration with the Queensland Museum and Education Queensland, the $1.8 million State Government initiative gives school students around the state the opportunity to explore the exciting world of biotechnology.
Minister Mickel said the BioBus was a Smart State initiative designed to help stimulate an early interest in science and inspire young Queenslanders to take up career opportunities in biotechnology.
“Biotechnology is one of the State’s fastest growing sectors and is expected to create more than 25 000 jobs nationally by 2015,” Mr Mickel said.
“It’s important we act now to ensure we have the skills to meet this future demand.
“The BioBus gives young Queenslanders a hands-on look at the diverse uses of biotechnology in health, the environment and agriculture through the 24 interactive and informative displays fitted on the bus.
“Examples of life-saving bio-engineered insulin and genetically modified cotton are just some biotech discoveries on display in this year’s BioBus.
“And, visitors will also be able to see how scientists are saving the endangered Wollemi Pine from extinction using tissue cultures.”
Minister Mickel said three dynamic and experienced science and mathematics teachers would deliver the BioBus program.
“The new BioBus team is excited about delivering a quality hands-on learning experience for students, staff and the wider community.”
He said the travelling science exhibit had been upgraded since its last tour and would this year feature a new Middle School Program for Year 7 to 9 students.
“The BioBus has previously targeted senior level students in Years 10 to 12,” Mr Mickel said.
“The new program features a range of specifically designed classroom-based activities for younger Queenslanders that aim to stimulate their imagination and help them get the most out of their BioBus experience.
“Students will even have the opportunity to create a unique DNA necklace made from cells taken from the inside of their cheeks.”
Minister Mickel said more than 28 000 Queensland school students, teachers, parents and community members at 62 venues across the state had visited the BioBus since its inaugural tour in 2005.
“We expect the BioBus, having already travelled almost 13 000 kilometres, will have reached more than 40 000 people across 90 locations by the end of 2007.”
Minister Mickel said the BioBus was part of the State Government’s ongoing commitment towards creating a sustainable biotechnology industry.
For more information about the 2007 BioBus Program, visit www.sd.qld.gov.au/biobus
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
23 March, 2007
Delivered in collaboration with the Queensland Museum and Education Queensland, the $1.8 million State Government initiative gives school students around the state the opportunity to explore the exciting world of biotechnology.
Minister Mickel said the BioBus was a Smart State initiative designed to help stimulate an early interest in science and inspire young Queenslanders to take up career opportunities in biotechnology.
“Biotechnology is one of the State’s fastest growing sectors and is expected to create more than 25 000 jobs nationally by 2015,” Mr Mickel said.
“It’s important we act now to ensure we have the skills to meet this future demand.
“The BioBus gives young Queenslanders a hands-on look at the diverse uses of biotechnology in health, the environment and agriculture through the 24 interactive and informative displays fitted on the bus.
“Examples of life-saving bio-engineered insulin and genetically modified cotton are just some biotech discoveries on display in this year’s BioBus.
“And, visitors will also be able to see how scientists are saving the endangered Wollemi Pine from extinction using tissue cultures.”
Minister Mickel said three dynamic and experienced science and mathematics teachers would deliver the BioBus program.
“The new BioBus team is excited about delivering a quality hands-on learning experience for students, staff and the wider community.”
He said the travelling science exhibit had been upgraded since its last tour and would this year feature a new Middle School Program for Year 7 to 9 students.
“The BioBus has previously targeted senior level students in Years 10 to 12,” Mr Mickel said.
“The new program features a range of specifically designed classroom-based activities for younger Queenslanders that aim to stimulate their imagination and help them get the most out of their BioBus experience.
“Students will even have the opportunity to create a unique DNA necklace made from cells taken from the inside of their cheeks.”
Minister Mickel said more than 28 000 Queensland school students, teachers, parents and community members at 62 venues across the state had visited the BioBus since its inaugural tour in 2005.
“We expect the BioBus, having already travelled almost 13 000 kilometres, will have reached more than 40 000 people across 90 locations by the end of 2007.”
Minister Mickel said the BioBus was part of the State Government’s ongoing commitment towards creating a sustainable biotechnology industry.
For more information about the 2007 BioBus Program, visit www.sd.qld.gov.au/biobus
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
23 March, 2007