Central Queensland University, Mackay, is hosting a program of activities to celebrate National Science Week, 17-25 August. The program is sponsored by Central Queensland University, Queensland National Science Week Committee, Queensland Department of Innovation and Information Technology and Dick Smith Electronics. The program is designed for secondary school students to stimulate their interest in science and to encourage them to pursue further studies in science in Years 11 and 12 and afterwards at the tertiary level. Twenty high schools in the Mackay region have been invited to participate in the program. Students from 10 schools are entering the Year 10 Science Quiz, including a team from Clermont SHS. They will be competing for the annual trophy which is currently held by Pioneer SHS.

Public presentations will be given by students of Marine Studies and Marine & Aquatic Practices about the research projects they have been working on since the beginning of the year. Three schools have been working with CQU Mackay, undertaking research in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries to monitor dieback among the mangrove species in the region, and another three schools have been working on aquaculture projects. One of these projects involves work with the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Authority and Sarina Council to re-stock Middle Creek Dam with barramundi. Students will be able to talk about their research topic, describe their research methodology and give a report of their findings. Posters about their research will be displayed at the University campus during National Science Week. The full programme for National Science Week is as follows: Monday, 19 August.

Cook Lecture Theatre, CQU Mackay. 9.30am and 11.00am RACI O’Donnell Schools Lecture: Magnetic Resonance: Applications to Quantum Computing, Chemical and Biological Structure and Medical Imaging. Presented by Assoc. Prof. Graeme R. Hanson, Centre for Magnetic Resonance, The University of Queensland.

Tuesday, 20 August.

Cook Lecture Theatre, CQU Mackay 3.15pm Science Quiz for year 10 students: Round 1 heats for local Mackay schools.

Wednesday, 21 August.

Cook Lecture Theatre, CQU Mackay 12.00 Public Presentations by students undertaking Marine Studies and Marine and Aquatic Practices in Years 11 and 12.

Thursday, 22 August.

Cook Lecture Theatre, CQU Mackay 3.15pmScience Quiz for year 10 students: Round 2 heats for regional schools.

Thursday, 22 August.

Cook Lecture Theatre, CQU Mackay 6.30pm Science Quiz for year 10 students: Finals.

Tuesday 27 August.

ISL Theatre, CQU Mackay (numbers limited to 40) 8.30am – 3.00pm “Uni Experience” Scientific research and fieldwork: Assoc. Prof. John Parmenter, Dr Judith Wake, Ms Delma Clifton.

Wednesday 28 August.

Pioneer State High School (numbers limited to 24) 9.00am – 12.00noon Robo-Soccer Workshop: Mr Alun Tunnah.

Thursday 29 August.

ISL Theatre, CQU Mackay (numbers limited to 40) 8.30am – 3.00pm “Uni Experience” Introduction to Forensic Science: Assoc. Prof. Graham Pegg, Dr Judith Wake, Ms Delma Clifton.

For further information about National Science Week at Central Queensland University Mackay, please contact Vivien Clift on 4940 7532.