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LabRats Schools Out! A fun, fascinating Summer Science Experience at ECU.

Tuesday, 28 February 2023

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Thirty-one science lovers aged 13-16 from around Western Australia participated in a summer science experience at Edith Cowan University Joondalup Campus in January 2023. These science-oriented young adults had the opportunity to spend four days exploring the campus and all things STEM-related. Each day consisted of a series of workshops and university life activities, with one full day on an excursion.

The workshops were offered by staff & students from the School of Science, Engineering, and Medical and Health Sciences. The young scientists explored chemical reactions in our SuperLab, investigated paradoxes of infinity, learned about eDNA, and collected aquatic minibeasts from our lake. They also took part in workshops on bloody parasites, micro bits & bits, ethical hacking, and building bridges. And finally, made ice cream using liquid nitrogen.

The full day excursion on day three saw students exploring the Gravity Discovery Centre in Gingin with physics activities, including climbing the 222 steps to drop water balloons off the 45 metre Leaning Tower! They spent the afternoon at Yanchep National Park to cool down in the Crystal Cave, say hello to some koalas, and learn about Noongar Science in the Wangi Mia Meeting Place.

Students were still buzzing with excitement when they were presented with Certificates of Achievement from Associate Dean of Science – Professor Liz Watkin at the end of the week, although that could have been the Liquid Nitrogen ice cream!

The week was described by participants as amazing, fun, enlightening, interesting and enjoyable… Many commented that making new friends, especially ones that they could talk science with, was one of the best things. ‘The experience was certainly not one to forget, I really enjoyed how we were able to explore many different types of science. This program is definitely great for those who are interested and want to pursue a career in science.’

Thank you to the Schools of Science, Engineering, Medical and Health Sciences for their support of the event. The fantastic and passionate workshops presenters: Nardia Bordas, Dr Julia Collins, Dr Michelle Ellis, Dr Abdellah Shafieian, Dr Rina Wong, Jess Bruce, Emily Lette, Shannon Castine, Rachyl Stover, Jess Billinghurst, and Lachlan Adamson. Future Students Coordinator David Paull. School of Science Student Ambassadors: Ashley Jenkin, Steffany Price, Brianna Donovan, Scott Reynolds.

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