CDU Siemens Science Experience 2009
Evolution and adaption: Survival of the fittest

16, 17 and 18 June 2009

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin and 150th anniversary of his work, On the Origin of Species.
As part of the Darwin bicentenary celebrations the theme of the 2009 Siemens Science Experience will be Evolution and Adaption: Survival of the Fittest.

During the course of the three-day program students will explore modern science relevant to this theme through hands on workshops, listen to eminent research presentations on post Darwinian topics, and get out into the field to experience first hand evidence of evolution and adaptation in a harsh tropical environment.

The 2009 CDU NT Siemens Science Experience Student Evaluation Results are now available - download the PDF file here

An introduction | Background | Nature of the programs

An introduction

Professor Chris Austin

Head of the School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Charles Darwin University

Welcome to the Siemens Science Experience 2009 program, with the theme of Evolution and adaption: Survival of the fittest.

The 2008 theme, Science in the Tropics, emphasised the important contribution science plays in human heath and well being and in understanding and protecting our natural environment, areas of special significance to those of us living in the Northern Territory.

The program is designed to provide students who have an interest in science, engineering or technology with an opportunity to improve their knowledge and engage in a wide range of fascinating science activities under the guidance of scientists who are experts in their fields and dedicated to their work.

Science is one of the major strengths of CDU and while my school, the School of Environmental and Life Sciences, has a primary responsibility for science at our university, the schools of Health Science, Environmental Research, Engineering and Information Technology, and the Menzies School of Health Research, all contribute significantly to teaching and research in a range of science or related disciplines.

Many people have contributed to the development and organisation of the activities for the CDU Siemens Science Experience. These include staff and students of the university, members of the community, government and industry partners and we gratefully acknowledge their contribution. I would also like to thank the many businesses and organisations that have provided scholarships of participation to students. This emphasises the importance that the Northern Territory science and education community places on helping to produce the next generation of scientists.

Lastly, to the students and budding young scientists, please participate in the activities, ask questions, learn some interesting new stuff and most of all have fun!

Dr Diane Pearson

Local Director and Chair Person of the organising committee for the Charles Darwin University Siemens Science Experience 2008

I am really excited that Charles Darwin University will again host the NT Siemens Science Experience in 2009.

The local organising committee and I have worked together with local scientists to put together an excellent program which contains a huge variety of fun, educational and stimulating activities.

The theme of the 2008 event, Science in the Tropics, demonstrates some of the excellent research that is being conducted here in the Northern Territory. The activities centered round this theme also illustrate the type of studies that can be carried out at CDU in the areas of environmental science, engineering and health. There is a mixture of laboratory and field-based exercises to give students a feel for the variety of tasks they can perform as a scientist. We also have a range of interesting seminars and outdoor activities delivered by leading scientists, plus some information on careers and study pathways.

I hope that students have a great time taking part in the program. And I would like to thank our sponsors and the committee members for helping to make this event happen.

Background

In January 1990, a three-day science program was conducted at Monash University as a result of concern amongst educationists and Rotarians at the declining enrolments in science studies at secondary and tertiary levels. The aim of the program was to stimulate student interest in the sciences and to encourage them to continue their studies in science.

The enthusiasm generated by the initial program encouraged the organisers to seek to make the program available in other universities and to a greatly increase number of students.

In 2006 The Siemens Science Experience will be conducted at thirty-three university campuses with the participation of more than 2500 year nine students. Almost all Australian universities with a science, engineering or information technology faculty will provide a program.

Nature of the programs

In designing each program, organisers aim to introduce students to as wide a range as possible of the sciences, stimulate interest in science activities and provide information on study and career opportunities in science.

A typical program includes:

• Experiments held in university laboratories
• Short lectures from high profile lecturers
• Visits to local places of special scientific interest
• Information about study opportunities in science, engineering and technology
• Career advice.