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  • Mater Dei College students and teacher conducting a science experiment..

    Mater Dei College students and teacher conducting a science experiment, part of LabRats.

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LabRats for Schools

LabRats is an excursion which provides an opportunity for Year 9 and 10 students and their teachers to visit the ECU Joondalup campus and enjoy a typical day as an ECU university student.  Students will participate in several hands-on science workshops, hear from our current students and researchers about the amazing science that is being taught and researched at ECU, as well as some fun social activities to orientate them to and around the campus.

How it works

We want you to explore the many options open to you if you decide to study a science or mathematics discipline at university, so therefore we ask you to come with an open mind and sample a range of science workshops during your visit to our campus. During the workshops, you will meet our current students and researchers and hear about their first-hand experiences of what is it to be a student at ECU and their aspirations for a career in science. A LabRats day will usually include:

  • 09:15-09:30  Registration
  • 09:30-10:00  Welcome and Amazing Campus Race
  • 10:10-11:00  Workshop 1
  • 11:10-12:00  Workshop 2
  • 12:15-12:45  Lunch
  • 12:55-13:45  Workshop 3
  • 13:55-14:15  Pathways to University and Student Life presentation
  • 14:15-14:30  Wrap up and Farewell

The workshops

We have a variety of workshops on offer, including Horticulture, Chemistry, Physics, Conservation Biology, Marine & Freshwater Science, Mathematics, and Cyber Security. Please let us know if you have a preference when booking.

When is it run?

LabRats excursions are now run on an ad hoc basis, booked with schools individually.  To look at available dates, please check the ECU Academic Calendar and cross reference to the School Term – we are only able to offer excursions when there are no classes being taught on campus, like during semester breaks or study week.

LabRats 2025 dates, depending on lab & staff availability:

  • 24 - 27 June (ECU inter semester break, Term 2 Week 9)
  • 4 - 7 Nov (ECU study week, Term 4 Week 4)
  • 25 - 28 Nov (after ECU exams, Term 4 Week 7)

How much does it cost?

LabRats is a free event.  We just ask you to bring along your own lunch and snacks, an open mind and willingness to give everyone a go.

How do I register?

Please email us to discuss available dates.

Are there a maximum number of young people ECU can accommodate for LabRats?

Most ECU Science activities can comfortably accommodate a maximum of 22 young people. If you bring more students, we may need to split your class up. Chat to us about your ideal numbers.

Are there bus subsidies available?

There are currently no bus subsidies available. If this is a barrier to your participation, please contact us and we can collaborate with you on a solution.

Contact us

For more information, please contact Cass Rowles, Science Outreach and Engagement Coordinator c.rowles@ecu.edu.au or by phone: (08) 6304 2467.

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