Dozens of hands-on science, engineering and technology activities were on offer to Central Queensland school children this week as part of National Science Week.

Government bodies, industries, schools, community organisations and Central Queensland University have combined their efforts to involve thousands of children across the region. Many of the activities were presented via a program called Your Future is SET XPO funded by the federal Department of Education, Science & Training.

A full program of activities were planned for the two-day SET XPO held at CQU Rockhampton.

Students explored the mysteries of sight and sound with the Faculty of Engineering & Physical Systems. Experts explained how the ‘waves’ that constantly bombard our bodies can be measured and used for different things like voice analysis or telescopic sight.

‘How can an airliner weighing 100,000kgs actually leave the ground?’ CQU’s Aviation Technology lecturer Captain Charles Mowle explained how this phenomena works by exploring the physics of this capability. Experts also introduced people to key issues of modern aircraft design. This interactive aviation technology session included some multimedia presentations and allowed selected students to take on the role as pilot and attempst to land a simulated airliner at an international airport.

Students were able to interact with a collection of digital artwork, short films websites and interactive multimedia software on display at an award winning multimedia exhibition. The exhibits were created by CQU’s Bachelor of Multimedia Studies program. Big Brother’s first evictee Irena also made an appearance. She talked to students about the technical side of Big Brother.

A computer hardware fundamentals session “lifted the lid” on the workings of a computer and gave visitors hands-on experience in disassembling and re-assembling a computer unit.

CQU’s School of Health and Human Performance provided interactive and hands-on activities in the School’s Sports Science Laboratory. Some of the activities included 10-second and a 30-second sprints and power tests on the cycle ergometers, strength testing on the Biodex Machine and a tour of the lab.

How do we know if it going to rain, how do we know if a cyclone is coming and will the tide be right for fishing – these were just some of the questions that were answered at the Bureau of Meteorology presentation. The Bureau’s forecaster Ray Evans was on hand to answer questions and give an insight into weather forecasting.

The television show CSI has grabbed the attention of the general public, but how do our criminal scientists solve crimes here in Australia. Visitors found out more about this at three different sessions in forensic science, DNA and criminal psychology.

Sessions were also held in veterinary science and wildlife and robotics.

Photo above: Francesca Razalan, Scott Neill, Edward Wason - Glenmore High State School.

Photo left: Chanelle Harvey (Emmaus College), Charles Hatte and Brett Prinsen (St Brendans College).