Published Thursday, 12 July, 2007 at 10:06 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
SCHOOL STUDENTS ACROSS QLD DISCOVER THE FUN OF SCIENCE
The science behind great toys, life as an astronaut and how to make the slimiest slime are just some of the activities students can take part in during the State Government’s popular Science on Saturday program, set to kick off for another term.
Minister for State Development John Mickel said the next six-week program, to roll out across the State (from July 21), would give young people from 7-14 years a chance to develop a lifelong interest in science.
“The program shows children that science is fun, it’s interesting, it’s relevant to almost every aspect of their lives, and they can get involved in it,” he said.
“After all, many of them don’t realise there’s a science behind designing toys.
“But that’s the 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.”
Mr Mickel said children could sign up for all six sessions or just attend those of interest to them. This term topics include:
• Toy science
• Construction science
• Food chemistry
• Science in Space
• Slime Time
• Weather Scientists
Term three locations for the program starting on 21 July are:
• Brisbane – CSIRO Science and Education Centre, Indooroopilly
• Townsville – CSIRO North Queensland Science Education Centre
• Dalby – Dalby State High School
• Maroochydore – Maroochydore State High School
• Hervey Bay – Hervey Bay State High School
• Cloncurry – Cloncurry State School
Mr Mickel launched the 2007 program earlier this year and joined in a ‘Slime Time’ session at Canterbury College.
“The students had fun making different types of slime using ingredients such as guar gum (an ingredient in instant gravy powder), instant pudding mix, chewing gum and gelatin,” he said.
“It was a fun way to teach kids the value of science. Through making the different slimes, they learnt all about fluids and polymers and how these are used in everyday products like paints, plastics and soap.”
Mr Mickel said more than 15 000 children had attended interactive Science on Saturday sessions since the program began in 2004.
“Already this year over 2500 children and more than 500 parents have attended Science on Saturday sessions in 12 locations across Queensland.
“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.”
Bookings for the program are essential. Places cost $6 per session prepaid or $9 on the day. For more information or bookings, visit www.sd.qld.gov.au/sos or call 1300 302 649.
The State Government has contracted CSIRO to deliver the program across Queensland.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
12 July, 2007
Minister for State Development John Mickel said the next six-week program, to roll out across the State (from July 21), would give young people from 7-14 years a chance to develop a lifelong interest in science.
“The program shows children that science is fun, it’s interesting, it’s relevant to almost every aspect of their lives, and they can get involved in it,” he said.
“After all, many of them don’t realise there’s a science behind designing toys.
“But that’s the 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.”
Mr Mickel said children could sign up for all six sessions or just attend those of interest to them. This term topics include:
• Toy science
• Construction science
• Food chemistry
• Science in Space
• Slime Time
• Weather Scientists
Term three locations for the program starting on 21 July are:
• Brisbane – CSIRO Science and Education Centre, Indooroopilly
• Townsville – CSIRO North Queensland Science Education Centre
• Dalby – Dalby State High School
• Maroochydore – Maroochydore State High School
• Hervey Bay – Hervey Bay State High School
• Cloncurry – Cloncurry State School
Mr Mickel launched the 2007 program earlier this year and joined in a ‘Slime Time’ session at Canterbury College.
“The students had fun making different types of slime using ingredients such as guar gum (an ingredient in instant gravy powder), instant pudding mix, chewing gum and gelatin,” he said.
“It was a fun way to teach kids the value of science. Through making the different slimes, they learnt all about fluids and polymers and how these are used in everyday products like paints, plastics and soap.”
Mr Mickel said more than 15 000 children had attended interactive Science on Saturday sessions since the program began in 2004.
“Already this year over 2500 children and more than 500 parents have attended Science on Saturday sessions in 12 locations across Queensland.
“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.”
Bookings for the program are essential. Places cost $6 per session prepaid or $9 on the day. For more information or bookings, visit www.sd.qld.gov.au/sos or call 1300 302 649.
The State Government has contracted CSIRO to deliver the program across Queensland.
Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.
12 July, 2007