Light rain failed to dampen the spirits of the 23 budding scientists who took part in CQU Mackay’s Siemens Science Experience.

The hands-on science, information technology and engineering activities attracted Year 10 students from Proserpine, Sarina, Richmond and Mackay schools over three days from Tuesday.

Environmental Science lecturer and event co-ordinator Judith Wake said the experience gave the students an idea of the range of the day-to-day activities undertaken by scientists from a variety of professions.

“The variety of activities will hopefully allow the Year 10 students to make informed decisions about their Year 11 subject choices and ideally assist with their career path,” she said.

“Clearly the enthusiasm shown by the students indicated the activities provided an interesting insight into various areas of science.” Activities from the event included surveys of local mangroves, testing the campus lakes for water quality, digital image manipulation, animations and video, testing of unknown substances for the presence of various chemicals, solving an engineering problem, assessing fitness, and heart and lung function, and trying some nursing and hygiene practices.

Photo: Brenton Taylor and Tessa Maunder examine a water sample taken from a CQU Mackay campus pond.

Photo: Danni Flynn (back), Dr Judith Wake, Reece Doolan and Jamie Penningh view water samples.