Hundreds of students take on science
More than 400 students from local primary schools took part in the annual UTAS Science Fair on Tuesday 3 September 2013.
The Science Fair, sponsored jointly by the UTAS Faculties of Education and Science, Engineering and Technology, gives primary school students the opportunity to participate in investigations under the guidance of University students and staff.
More than 40 pre-service teachers from the University's Master of Teaching program planned, prepared and presented science concepts to the visiting Years four, five and six students, giving them the opportunity to see that science and learning can be fun and rewarding.
Twelve activities were on offer; each one exploring a different science concept through hands-on activities, demonstrations, models and puzzles. Topics ranged from polymer bouncing balls, identifying nutrients in food, balloon rockets, creating CO2 and more.
Students made observations, tested out ideas and asked questions - just like real scientists. Teachers gained specific knowledge about a range of excellent activities that can be done in their own classrooms.
The UTAS Science Fair is supported through the National Science Week Young Tassie Scientists grant, and early career researchers were on hand to share their experiences with the students
Image: (left to right) Harry, 12, Jordan, 12 and Lachy, 12, from St Virgils College try their hand at some science.