Calling all young Qld Einsteins: sign up for science fun!

Curious young Queenslanders can get a taste of being anything from a forensic detective to a doctor when the fifth annual Science on Saturday program kicks off this month.

The Queensland Government initiative, delivered by CSIRO Education, will see a series of themed, interactive sessions held across the State which includes hands-on activities and fun experiments.

Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Desley Boyle said the Science on Saturday sessions were a great way for kids aged 7 to 14 to get their hands dirty learning about how the world works.

“Kids will explore the fascinating world of science, how it affects our lives, and some of the cool careers available,” she said.

“Protecting our earth, finding out about how plants grow, how rocks are formed and why the human body behaves the way it does are just some of the things that will be under the microscope in the sessions.”

Ms Boyle said the exciting new topics and experiments in this year’s program included: Scientists at Work, Our Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Whodunnit?, Geology Rocks! and Awesome Agriculture.

“And this year we have a showbag full of fun do-it-yourself experiments and a booklet featuring some fantastic young Queensland scientists,” she said.

“The booklet will give a great insight into the day-to-day life of real scientists and some of the interesting and diverse work they get to do. It’s hoped this will inspire students to explore science careers after school.”

Science on Saturday includes two sessions held on each Saturday for six weeks – one at 10am to 11:30am for students aged 7 to 10, and another at 12:30pm to 2pm for the older kids (11 to 14 years old).

“Each session will run for 90 minutes with a different topic each week over six weeks,” Ms Boyle said.

“Kids may attend as many or as few as they like, however parents will need to book in advance as places will up fast.”

Locations for the first phase of the program are:

o Cairns – St Augustine’s College, 251 Draper St
o Indooroopilly – Brisbane CSIRO Education Centre, 120 Meiers Rd
o Toowoomba – Darling Heights State School, Wuth St
o Bundaberg – Bundaberg State High School, Maryborough St
o Gladstone – Chanel College, 11 Paterson St
o Mackay – Mackay State High School, 105 Milton St

BOOKINGS AND WEBSITE

Places cost $6 per session prepaid or $9 on the day. Numbers are limited and bookings are essential, even if you wish to pay on the day. For more information or bookings, visit www.csiro.au/sos or call 1300 302 649.

The Science on Saturday program will visit six new towns each term. Check the website to find your nearest location.

16 February 2009

For high resolution images from Science on Saturday please visit:
http://www.dtrdi.qld.gov.au/media/20080717_sos/

Media contact: 3224 2007 or 3225 1005