Buzz about bees sees kids swarm to enter science competition

Published Thursday, 30 March, 2023 at 02:40 PM

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities
The Honourable Mark Furner

  • Thousands to take part in plant science competition
  • Importance of bees to be key theme
  • One day left to register, entries close in June

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner is encouraging Queensland school students to get involved in a bee-loved plant science competition.

The 27th annual Hermitage Research Facility Plant Science Competition and its “The Buzz About Bees” theme will focus on the important role bees play in supporting our agricultural and horticultural industries.

More than 4800 students from 165 schools across Australia have already registered to be part of this year’s competition.

Last year more than 3600 students from 137 schools submitted science and art entries.

Hermitage Research Facility Schools Plant Science Competition activities are aligned to the Australian school curriculum, making it easy for teachers to incorporate the competition project into learning programs.

Students can enter any or all of the three award categories: Plant Science Project Awards, Art in AgRticulTure Awards, and the QuestaGame ‘PestInvaders’ BioQuest.

Entries for the competition close on 23 June.

All competition entrants will be in the running for a selection of fantastic awards and prizes.

Winners will be announced on 15 August during National Science week at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Hermitage Research Facility’s annual Awards Day and Agricultural Science Expo in Warwick.

For more information and to enter visit https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/agriculture/plants/schools-plant-science-competition.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner:

“This year’s competition is helping students understand the crucial role bees play in agriculture, and I’m encouraging all Queensland students to get involved.

“Students will get hands-on with bee-themed investigations and activities that will uncover the importance of Australia’s apiary industry.

“This competition is giving students a taste of the science behind the agriculture supply chain.

“The rising demand for the skills needed to maintain food security and our global reputation for high quality safe products makes it important to attract young people who could become key members of that workforce.”

ENDS

Media contact: Bryce Heaton 0427 781 920