Science investigators shine
Lower Great Southern science students impressed the judges with their projects at the Science Investigation Awards last Friday.
Run by the Primary Industry Centre for Science Education, the awards were an opportunity for students from Albany Senior High School, North Albany Senior High School and Denmark High School to investigate a hypothesis of choice for the chance to win cash prizes of up to $500.
Year 8, 9 and 10 students presented their findings from research topics ranging from comparing hand-sanitisers to plant growth and energy drinks, which were judged by scientists and industry representatives.
PICSE science education officer Belinda Pope said the scientific nous displayed by the students impressed many of the judges.
“The skills they used in regards to the apparatus and their research skills were the same as some of the judges use in their jobs,” she said.
Students were given an increased incentive to pursue an investigation relating to the field of agriculture with a $500 being awarded to the best projects.
Year 8 ASHS student Solomon Toussaint, Year 9 Denmark High School student Riley Pattinson and ASHS Year 10 students Heidi Burl and Meg Maroni each took home $500 for their respective experiments.
Department of Agriculture and Food senior research officer Mohamed Hamza, who judged experiments, said many of the students had shown skills beyond their years.
“It makes science and scientific research within reach for the students,” Mr Hamza said.
tim.edmunds@albanyadvertiser.com
