UOW helps launch first Regional Science Fair in NSW

Aug 11, 2006

An innovative science program aimed at improving the ways in which science and technology are taught in schools is being launched for the first time in NSW with the help of the University of Wollongong and local sponsors.

Local science teacher from St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Dr Kerry Ayre, has secured a grant to organise the Regional Science Fair that will involve 47 public and private schools from Bega to Blakehurst and Bowral to Braidwood.

Over 250 high-school students will display the results of their own open-ended investigations to experts and the public on 24 October this year.The Science Fair will have its official launch next week (Monday 14 August) as part of National Science Week and will be formally opened by UOW’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerard Sutton.

The Fair is an initiative of the Australian School Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (ASISTM) project, which was announced earlier in the year by the Minster for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop, MP.

A total of $33.7 million in funding was announced to cluster initiatives throughout Australia. Ms Bishop said the initiative is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to ensure Australia can build upon its scientific and technological capabilities.

“Project activities will enable schools to come together with industry, science organisations, universities and others to explore ways to encourage a culture of innovation, attract greater numbers of quality students into teaching, improve coordination between primary and high school curricula and provide positive role models for students,” said Ms Bishop.

The program is unique in the level of support provided for both schools and teachers.

So far over 60 teachers have attended the workshops providing invaluable resources for encouraging student research. The project is also providing positive role models in science with five current research students from the University of Wollongong presenting in school workshops for students.

Sponsors of the Science Fair include Illawarra Coal (BHP Billiton), ANSTO, Pfizer Australia and The Illawarra Mercury.

When: Monday 14 August at 4.30pm

Where: Wollongong Science Centre and Planetarium, Squires Way, Fairy Meadow.

For further information: Contact Science Publicity Officer, Scott East, on 4221 3512 or Dr Kerry Ayre on 0438 262 291.

**Media please note: Students from previous fairs will be attending the launch with colourful displays of their own research.

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128