On Thursday 11 September over 200 secondary school students were on campus at the University of New England to take part in the UNE Growing Regional and Agricultural Students in Science (GRASS) Investigation Awards. The awards celebrate student achievements in science and allow them to showcase their school science projects to scientists.
As part of the awards, the students presented 160 science investigation projects which they had completed at school.
Among the project topics taken on by the students were the following:
– Health: what’s the cost?
– Natural remedies: will they kill bugs?
– Which assault instrument causes the most dominant blood spatter?
– Which thickening agent creates viscosity in soup?
– Which concentration of fertiliser increases plant growth the most?
– Do starting blocks decrease the start time for the 100m?
– Are push & twist childproof containers effective?
A presentation ceremony was held for award recipients at the conclusion of the event, with $4,050 offered in prize money to the award-winning schools and students. UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Annabelle Duncan, a scientist herself, officially welcomed the school students, scientists and sponsors at the event. Professor Duncan spoke of her fascinating career in science and encouraged students to continue following their interests in the field.
The UNE GRASS program leads the development and delivery of education programs that inspire students towards science careers and help create high-calibre science graduates who are business-ready for Australia’s primary industries.
The GRASS Science Investigation Awards were first held in 2009 with just 27 student participants and only $400 in sponsorship. This year the event was sponsored by the Armidale Ex-Services Club, Thalgarrah Environmental Education Centre, Walcha Council, Armidale Central Rotary Club, East West Enviroag, UNE Marketing and Public Affairs and the UNE School of Science and Technology.