Nearly 300 Townsville school students are taking a behind-the-scenes look at research of the Great Barrier Reef when they visit the Australian Institute of Marine Science this week.
AIMS Science Day is a two-day event where students are gaining insights into 500-year-old coral from the Institute’s coral cores archive, and get up close to crown-of-thorn starfish.
AIMS Marine Technology Innovation and Development leader Scott Bainbridge said visiting a scientific research station was an exciting opportunity for students to get switched on to science.
“When they see what we do, they get really excited and they realise science and technology applications can be fun,” Mr Bainbridge said.
“They get to see the many different pathways into areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) that they had not imagined.”
Mr Bainbridge and his team are showing students from eight high schools, how technology such as drones, are being used to help marine scientists answer the big environmental issues facing our marine environment.
Students are also visiting the National Sea Simulator and outdoor aquarium, and speak with some of AIMS leading researchers.
AIMS is a recipient of the Queensland Government’s Engaging Science Grants programdesigned to help boost community participation in science events and increase awareness of Queensland scientific activities and achievements.
Science Minister Leeanne Enoch said the Advance Queensland Engaging Science Grants program has been an excellent way to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in Queensland schools.
“The program is designed to boost interest in science and get more Queenslanders involved in science activities and events,” Ms Enoch said.
“Getting hands on experience at a facility like AIMS is such a great opportunity for students to be inspired by science and scientists.”
AIMS’ Science Day event is running from September 12 to 13, from 8:30am until 2.25pm both days.