Science in the City to stir up students

Monday 18 September 2006

More than 800 local school students are set to experience Science in the City when the University of Newcastle hosts this mind stretching program next week.

The Australian Museum is bringing the program to the Newcastle Regional Museum across two days, Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 September.

Professor John O'Connor, Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University, said students and teachers were in for spectacular science treats at workshops, presentations, shows and an expo.

"Science in the City at Newcastle gives primary and high school students the chance to tour a robot factory, solve crimes as forensic scientists, gain insight into nanotechnology and artificial intelligence, and discover how scientific mysteries really work," he said.

Supported by the Science in the City Partners and with major funding from the Australian Government, Department of Education Science and Training (DEST), this is a great chance for students to interact with scientists from organisations such as the Australian Museum, the University of Newcastle, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the New South Wales Minerals Council.

Science in the City shows students the science that is happening around them everyday and how remarkable and rewarding a career in science can be.

The University of Newcastle has contributed funding for the event and the University's international award winning Science, Mathematics And Real Technology (SMART) program will run shows over both days.

For more information, see scienceinthecity.net/newcastle

Photo opportunity: From 9.30am - 10.30am on Tuesday 19 September at the Newcastle Regional Museum.

Media Contact: Sophie Lieberman, Science Communication Office, the Australian Museum, 0408 299 777.

Brooke Thompson, Media and Public Relations, University of Newcastle on 02 4921 5134.

Professor John O'Connor, University of Newcastle on 02 4921 5439.