School students open a window on a world of science and maths at UWS

School students try their hand at generating static electricity

A thousand students from almost 30 primary schools were immersed in a hands-on active science and maths day at the University of Western Sydney Parramatta campus on Monday 10 December.

Science and Maths Exposed, organised and supported by Lachlan Macquarie College and UWS, highlights the diversity, fun and learning opportunities in these key curriculum areas.

Activities included a multimedia lecture and light show where maths and science meet stadium-style rock concert special effects to explain complex principles and engage students in learning.

The well regarded Questacon Christmas Science Show and CSIRO Science Show also informed and entertained the students and their teachers.

Dr Jane Cavanagh, Director of the UWS Office of Widening Participation says the event will help to open young minds to a future where university education is an option.

"One of the key objectives of activities such as Science and Maths Exposed is to raise awareness of higher education with young children and their parents," says Dr Cavanagh.

"These events help to position university study as a part of young students' thinking about their future."

School students controlling model cars

Science and Maths Exposed is a free event open to 1000 students from across Sydney.

Lachlan Macquarie College together with UWS have created an event program which captures the attention of young students in maths and science as they transition from primary school to high school.

Through activities and fun demonstrations, students learn about static electricity, jet propulsion, electrical and light energy, pitch and amplification, and expansion and contraction.

Dr Cavanagh says the event provides students a window on how maths and science is vital to the 21st century world they live in.

"Students sometimes think the science and maths they learn at school is abstract and not useful. They believe there aren't real world applications for what they are learning. But the experiments and demonstrations at the event show how science and maths does connect with everyday living.

"Talking to working scientists and mathematicians performing the demonstrations and manning the stalls helps students to realise that rewarding and interesting careers do come from studying."

Students balance plates on a stick