There was experimental madness and mega big words, such as chemiluminescence, when 200 primary school students visited CQU Bundaberg to celebrate National Science Week.

Science Coordinator Desirae Kirby said the 2003 Brainwaves Festival was bigger and better than last year’s and was one of the largest outside Brisbane.

“We invited 10 local primary schools from throughout the district to come along for the day and they had a great time,” Ms Kirby said.

"The aim of day was to show primary children just how much fun science can be and also to encourage them to study science at high school.

“By having professional scientists presenting the activities students were hopefully encouraged to consider science as a career.

Upon arrival students were thrown straight into the deep world of science with a chemistry magic show, complete with lots of explosions. This was a huge success as can be seen from the photograph.

Budding environmental scientists had the chance to visit the University’s Enviro Club’s revegetation site to conduct soil tests and flora and fauna tests.

And no science show would be complete without a microscope to view all things scientific. The students also learned about solar cars, information technology, robotics and human movement with activities and models.