This week has been Science Week at CQU Mackay and over 100 students have been involved in various workshops around the campus, culminating in the annual science quiz and pizza night.

The popular science quiz was the brainchild of CQU lecturer Delma Clifton and has been running since 1999, as part of the Science Week activities at CQU Mackay.

Year 10 students from local schools, Mackay State High and Mackay Christian College, competed with students from the rural centres of Calen and Clermont in this year’s Science Quiz.

Sharon Robertson, Head of Department Curriculum at Clermont State High School has been bringing kids from Clermont to Mackay for every Science Quiz since they started in 1999 and believes it is important for kids from rural centres to participate.

"We select our top science achievers to attend Science Week and participate in the Science Quiz each year," she said. "We don't prepare our students, we just like them to be involved and to have a fun experience".

"As Clermont can feel quite isolated at times, the science week activities offer a great educational experience and an opportunity for social interaction away from home, and we always get positive feedback from the students".

In addition to the Science Quiz, the students have this week been participating in various workshops designed to give students a real university experience and to generate an interest in tertiary studies.

Dr Steven Pace took students through some of the skills involved in digital image manipulation using Adobe Photoshop, and explained that magazine images are usually re-touched using digital image technology to smooth skin, erase wrinkles and colour hair.

“My mum would like this", was commonly heard as students worked on their computers to enhance a digital image.

Other workshops included Animation with Martin Francis and Physics with Dr Fae Martin, where students were asked to design and test ‘Land Yachts’ made from plastic bags, straws and tape.

Students enjoyed a barbecue lunch between workshops and had the opportunity to chat with CQU lecturers about scientific matters.

According to Kath Holsted, science teacher at Calen State District College, the students have thoroughly enjoyed their experience.

"It's great for the students to see the University and visit the campus so that university study becomes more of an option for them," she said. "There's been a lot of excitement and we will definitely be back next year".

Photo: (left): Mackay State High School students watch their personalised animation on screen during Martin Francis’ Animation workshop.

Photo (above): Clermont students with their teacher Sharon Robertson, have enjoyed attending CQU Mackay Science Week activities.