More than 20 Year 11 science students participated in an extended learning program at CQUniversity Rockhampton recently (Oct 26).

Students from Rockhampton State High School, North Rockhampton State High School, Glenmore State High School, Yeppoon State High School and Heights College attended.

Brooke Andrews and Lauren Rixon have a go at intubating a mannequin.

Their visit was one of several activities organised by the School of Medical and Applied Sciences at CQUniversity and school science Heads of Department in Rockhampton this year, to encourage senior students to continue studying science after leaving high school.

Professor Graham Pegg welcomed the students and encouraged them to consider a career in science due to the current shortage of scientists in Australia.

Students then participated in two sessions - identifying organisms found in soil ecosystems and investigating the physiology of breathing.

The keen teens were introduced to the techniques used to sort and classify a variety of organisms found in soil and leaf litter. After placing the leaf litter in a light box to extract most of the organisms present in the litter, the students then used microscopes to identify them.

Libby Kneen and Ila Chippendale sorting through leaf litter for bugs.

Students also had the opportunity to measure their lung capacity and performance using a variety of scientific equipment. They also learnt several resuscitation techniques used by paramedics and, using mannequins, practised how to correctly intubate a person experiencing breathing difficulties.

Dr Bob Newby from CQUniversity said the day was an excellent opportunity for students interested in science to experience first hand some of the skills they will learn and facilities they will use if they undertake a science degree after Year 12.