Tomorrow’s innovators to attend the Tasmanian Youth Science Forum

Twenty-six Year 11 and 12 science students from 11 different colleges around the state will attend the Tasmanian Youth Science Forum this week. The students will get a taste of current research projects and visit leading research institutes and laboratories.

The Tasmanian Youth Science Forum aims to inspire participants to pursue a career in science and innovation. Students will meet many University of Tasmania students and researchers and learn about further study and career options.

The Forum aims to give students insight and some experience in different areas of study in science – they will experiment with chemical reactions, meet young researchers in the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, see the amazing technology used at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies and get hands-on with agricultural science, just to name a few of the activities in store.

As well as participating in workshops, exploring the University and meeting scientists, the Forum also provides personal development through team-building exercises, career planning and leadership roles.

“The Forum provides information about careers in science, engineering and technology and encourages students to continue their studies in these areas,” Forum coordinator Dr Adele Wilson said.

First-year Bachelor of Science (Zoology) student Josh Newell, originally from Cressy in Northern Tasmania, attended the Forum last year and said it had prepared him well for studying science at the University.

“The thing that’s stuck with me about it is that we were doing a Chemistry practical at the Forum, and that’s what we’re doing now in Chemistry 1A,” he said.

“It gave me a good feel for my course and helped me prepare for it.”

The 2016 Tasmanian Youth Science Forum will be held at the University of Tasmania’s Sandy Bay campus from Tuesday, 19 April – Thursday, 21 April. It is hosted by the University’s Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology.

Media photo opportunities – Sandy Bay campus:

Tuesday, 19 April
11:00am– 12:00pm Agricultural Science workshop with Dr Joanna Jones,
Life Sciences Building, College Rd, Sandy Bay

2:30pm– 3:30pm Zoology: Cane toad dissection with Dr Ashley Edwards,
Lab 123 (lower level), Life Sciences Building, College Rd

7:00pm– 8:00pm Bat spotting using sonar tracking with Dr Lisa
Cawthen, Lambert Park, via Churchill Ave, Sandy Bay

Wednesday 20 April
9:30am– 10:30am Chemistry: Mirror-making and colour-change
experiments
Lab 309, Chemistry Building, Dobson Rd

11:30am– 12:30pm Environmental Science with Dr Melinda McHenry,
Room 207, UTAS Engineering Building, Dobson Rd
Outdoor activity

Thursday 21 April
9:30am– 11:00am Physics: Demonstrations with David Hughes,
Mathematics and Physics Building, Dobson Rd

4:30pm– 5:30pm Super Cool Science Show with Jeremy Just,
Lecture Theatre 1, Chemistry Building, Dobson Rd
Access via main entrance foyer – spectacular liquid nitrogen demonstrations (we can repeat some demonstrations if required for media after 5:30pm)

Forum coordinator Dr Adele Wilson (03 6226 2287 or 0449 013 689) and participants (from the North-West, North and Southern Tasmania) will be available for interview by phone or in person.

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University of Tasmania, Communications and Media Office