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Top scientist praises young investigators
Queensland’s Chief Scientist Dr Geoff Garrett was impressed by the investigative work of more than 100 Sunshine Coast school students who took part in the 2011 Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE) Science Investigation Awards at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
A total of $5,500 in prize money was awarded to 36 budding scientists at USC’s Innovation Centre in mid-August before a crowd of 130 students and parents from 28 different primary and high schools.
Dr Garrett presented the Junior Science Award to Olivia Blake of Mountain Creek State School for her project “Blonde Ambition”, and the Senior Science Award to Jacqui Brittain of Sunshine Beach State High School for her study into the distribution of turtle nests on Herron Island.
Both students received $500 in prize money.
“The high standard of work was great to see,” Dr Garrett said. “Initiatives like the PICSE Awards are a terrific way to nurture enthusiasm for science in young people.
“I was delighted to see this enthusiasm and the variety of engaging projects which the students had taken on. This is the next generation of scientists and we can all be encouraged.”
The People’s Choice awards went to Alex Burden of Kawana Waters State College Primary for his project “Water to Watts” and to Kyle McGrath of Aldridge State High School for his “Water Quality Analysis” investigation.
USC’s Science Education Officer for PICSE, Susan Lanham, said the annual Science Investigation Awards encouraged students to engage in science by investigating topics, formulating research hypotheses, and finding answers.
“The competition is a great way to engage students in their own personal science investigations,” Ms Lanham said.
“It gives them the opportunity to have some fun with science while investigating something that connects them with what’s actually happening in the real world.”
The students used poster displays to present their findings to a panel of expert judges.
— Michelle Widdicombe