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Professor Bert Roberts surrounded by enthusiastic students following ...

Budding young scientists put to the test at Illawarra Coal Regional Science Fair

An innovative science program aimed at inspiring school students to study science was held at the University of Wollongong yesterday (4 November).

The Illawarra Coal Regional Science Fair was an opportunity for primary and high school students from the South Coast, Illawarra, Southern Sydney, Campbelltown and Southern Highlands to research a topic of interest and showcase their findings to expert judges. The Science Fair collaborates with teachers about the way science is taught in schools, inspire students to continue science study and consider careers in science.

Some of this year’s student investigations included -- Is Weather Forecasting Accurate?, Does Mozart Improve Memory? and Which Pencil Works Better?.

This year’s Science Fair attracted a huge response with more than 420 students from 41 primary and high schools registered to present 294 scientific research projects. The young scientists displayed the results of their own open-ended investigations to expert judges at the fair. The judges were a showcase of the diverse career options in science –coming from industry, research organisations, education departments, schools, media organisations, and the University of Wollongong.

During the lead up to the fair a team of science mentors -- enthusiastic science students from the University of Wollongong -- visited schools to inspire students and provide practical advice on completing research projects to students and teachers.

Illawarra Coal Regional Science Fair co-ordinator Lisa Hutton from UOW’s Faculty of Science said the Science Fair was a fantastic opportunity for people to share their enthusiasm for science.

“The enthusiasm of the students and judges is quite infectious and it was exciting to see the school students and judges discussing their passion for science during the event.”

Sponsors of the fair included Illawarra Coal (principal sponsor), Pfizer Australia, ANSTO, The Australian Society for Microbiology and Mister Ply & Wood.

One of the presentations involved Faculty of Science researcher and ARC Australian Professorial Fellow Bert Roberts giving a fascinating presentation to students and teachers about his involvement in the discovery of a previously undiscovered species of human - Homo floresiensis on the Indonesian island of Flores. It was one of the most important archaeological discoveries in recent history.

He also discussed his other work on the evolution, development and migration of mankind.