The BMA ScienceSpark Science Days are happening again at Rockhampton Campus this week. Around 1200 primary school children are participating in hands-on activities, including rocket launches, science experiments, lab tours and fun with large blobs of slime.

Worms were a popular option

Aimed at children in Years 4-7, they are an initiative of the Department of Education and Training, supported by CQUniversity and sponsored by BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance.

These events extend classroom teaching and learning and showcase science facilities on campus.

ScienceSpark Regional Manager Dave Romagnolo says "we're growing beautifully coloured giant water crystals".

"Students watch and predict as the crystals grow from one small cup full to many kilograms over the course of the show.

"We're looking at gases as we blow giant 'smoke rings' across the audience. We're exploding an enormous balloon using chemical reactions. And of course we are pouring 20kg of slime over an unsuspecting student, all in the name of science."

Visiting pupils are testing fruit sugars, finding out about worm farms and inspecting inspects up close. They are using UV lamps and a special lotion to learn how germs remain on hands, even after washing.

Water-powered rockets 'are go!' 
Scoping for fun 
Listening and learning 
Slime time 
Learning can be infectious 
More rocket fun 
Reaching new heights 
Fruitful learning opportunity