Young Science Ambassadors travel to Mount Isa in 2023

Our amazing Young Science Ambassadors (including YSAs from Griffith University, QUT (Queensland University of Technology) and The University of Queensland) have done it again! This time inspiring and supporting Mount Isa students as they investigate their Wonder of Science Challenge Tasks.

Wonder of Science has been travelling to Mount Isa since 2018 to work with students across Queensland.

Thank you to our partners Orica and GroundProbe for supporting Wonder of Science to travel to Mount Isa in 2022 and 2023.

Gladstone World Science Festival - 2023

We were so excited to share that we were reached 100,000 people since 2012! But here was the event that put us over the line!

Thank you to Joy and Chamodi for helping us reach 100,000 people.

Young Science Ambassador Joy Seitanidou filled in as a Flying Scientist for the World Science Festival Gladstone event. She was accompanied by QUT Young Science Ambassador Chamodi Fernando.

Across the two days they spoke to a total of 3233 students and community members about their research withing the medical field. The scientists also ran STEM activities including a build your own virus activity and an acids and base activity. Joy and Chamodi both had extensive discussions with attendees about what it was that ignited their passion and interest in STEM. They also provided advice on career opportunities in STEM fields. This event also marked 100,000 people reached for Wonder of Science since 2012.

Joy had the following to say about the event: '' Participating in the WSF at Gladstone was a truly unique experience compared to my previous involvement in similar science outreach programs. The festival provided an invaluable opportunity to communicate my research to a diverse audience (spanning ages from 5 to 60+), enabling engaging discussions about the ways scientific advancements can enhance the health and safety of our community. However, my most rewarding moments came from interacting with younger students during the workshop activities, where a seemingly simple task like building a model of a protein ignited curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among the participants. I am thankful that the Wonder of Science participated in the WSF and I was allowed to be part of it. Now all I am thinking of is when the WSF takes place next year! ''

Young Science Ambassador Chamodi Fernando said: “I am thrilled that all the experience I gained from the WoS program was amazing. I participated in the World Science Festival Gladstone, in which I helped to reach over 100, 000 people as a YSA. I found good opportunities to inspire not only students but also their parents on STEM.”

The Flying Scientists program is provided in partnership with the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist (OQCS). The Flying Scientists are early-mid career researchers who accompany Young Science Ambassadors into regional Queensland centres for community Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) awareness events. The program has been developed to address the shortage of science-related events convened outside South East Queensland — see the survey reports commissioned by OQCS which highlight this here: Queenslanders’ perceptions of science | Office of Queensland Chief Scientist.

 

2023 school visits are underway!

Our 2023 visits are well underway. In Term 2 we are visiting Darling Downs, Ipswich and Brisbane schools. Here are some photo highlights:

  • Thank you to YSAs Courtney from University of the Sunshine Coast, Mica (Maria Micaela) Fiorito from QUT (Queensland University of Technology), Sam Gayathri from Griffith University and Razib Mosaruf from The University of Queensland for visiting Years 4 – 6 students at Kimberley Park State School last Friday. Students actively explored STEM concepts ranging from material properties to sustainable electrical energy to life on Earth.

  • YSAs Amy Young from QUT (Queensland University of Technology) and Gemma Laird from The University of Queensland, for also visited Stretton State College Year 8 students last week where they explored energy transfers and transformations.

  • Our stellar team also made their way out to 10 schools in the Darling Downs. Pictured below, YSAs Pankaj Ram Kaushik and Nikita Rosendahl visited Miles State High School.