Central Queensland University is hosting a summer school for 31 teenage girls from throughout Central Queensland who have an interest and ability in maths, science and technology.

The Girls in Maths, Science and Technology Summer School is being held at the Rockhampton campus from Sunday February 5 to Friday February 10.

According to director of the program, Sheila Jeffery, the aim of the school is to encourage more girls from the region to take up the challenges of these ever-growing fields by providing them with the opportunity to experience practical hands-on activities and by talking with women working in key industries.

“We hope that by participating in the summer school the girls will consider maths, science and technology subjects for years 11 and 12 and beyond, keeping their options open for future career pathways in these areas,” explained Ms Jeffery.

The summer school, funded by Central Queensland University and Education Queensland, has attracted huge interest from girls throughout region. From over 70 applications, 31 grade 10 girls were selected.

“Entry to this program is not on merit, but they must have demonstrated an interest and ability in mathematics and science subjects. We have chosen girls who we believe need encouragement to maintain their interest in studying these subjects,” Ms Jeffery said.

Rockhampton students have been joined by students travelling from Agnes Water, Biggenden, Boyne Island, Bundaberg, Calliope, Clermont, Dysart, Emu Park, Gargett, Gladstone, Gogango, Hughenden, Mirani, Miriam Vale, Munbura, Thangool and Yeppoon.

Students will gain insight into the transfer of bacterial diseases by human skin; make a simple FM wireless microphone out of low cost electrical components; explore some uses of chemistry in everyday life including electroplating (coating metal as a basis for jewellery making) and generating an electric current to make music; look at mathematics theories that are used in house design, friendship circles and the timing of traffic lights; look into the time, costs and research rigor required to design and develop medicines for many human and animal diseases; and will perform cycling and running tests to assess athletic performance.

Photo (above).. Steve Senini (lecturer in electrical engineering), front in yellow shirt - Nikki Gifford (Dysart State High School), Catlyn Lacey, back, orange shirt (Emmaus College Rockhampton), Taylah Patterson, back, green shirt (Mirani State High School), Kirsty MacRae, back, sunnies on her head (3rd year Bachelor of Biomedical Science, facilitator for the day).

Photo (left) ... striped shirt - Brooke Burnett (Clermont State High School) and Bethany Lenehan (Mirani State High School) take part in this week's summer school at CQU Rockhampton.