CDU Siemens Science Experience 2008 - Science in the Tropics

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 program. The theme, ‘Science in the Tropics’, emphasises the important contribution science plays in human heath and well being and in understanding and protecting our natural environment, areas which are of special significance to 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. 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 for this 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 2,500 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.