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Young scientists to present research at USC
As part of National Science Week, some of the brightest young scientists from across the region will gather at the University of the Sunshine Coast tomorrow evening (Friday 20 August) for the USC Science Investigation Awards.
This event will involve the judging of scientific research conducted by almost 100 school students – in both primary (Years 6 and 7) and secondary (Years 11 and 12) categories – from as far afield as the Fraser Coast and Narangba Valley.
Up for grabs are 25 awards ranging in value from $50 to $500 and totalling more than $4,200.
Judging will be conducted throughout the day, and the awards will be presented in the evening. Media are welcome to attend the presentation ceremony from 6.30pm at USC’s Innovation Centre Auditorium.
Organiser David Thomson said the USC Science Investigation Awards were part of a national program run by the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE).
“This event is a celebration of excellence in science in primary and secondary schools across the region,” Mr Thomson said.
“The students’ research is based on their school subjects of biology, chemistry and physics, and they have chosen their own research topics, undertaken the research themselves and will present it themselves.”
Mr Thomson said students would be assessed on the quality of written reports (based on scientific methodology, control of variables and the use of data to support or disprove hypotheses) and on the way they present their projects to the judges.
The awards are sponsored by the Science and Engineering Education Centre, Queensland Youth Industry Links Inc, USC’s Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, USC’s Faculty of Science, Health and Education, and USC’s School of Science and Education.
Also supporting the awards are Gourmet Gardens, MelcoLanhams and UnderWater World.
— Terry Walsh