The Science Roadshow rolled into St Albans Secondary College last week to inspire the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) researchers.
The outreach program is run by bachelor of science students from the University of Melbourne, who host engaging and interactive demonstrations including hydrogen balloon explosions, giving students in years 7-10 a taste of what to expect if they choose to undertake a STEM degree.
Program co-ordinator, Dr Jarrod McKenna, said schools in low socioeconomic areas are targeted to provide them with opportunities and experiences, encouraging all students to pursue a career in STEM and realise their full academic potential as they enter their final schooling years.
“We have great relationships with St Albans Secondary College among other schools in low socioeconomic areas, so we wanted to visit them with this program, providing a really great experience,” he said.
“We want to get into these schools and broaden their mindset on what science and STEM can be … we want to give the students the confidence and agency to think about themselves as scientists.
“We bring in fire, animal organs … you might think teenagers might be a bit squeamish or hesitant with this sort of stuff, but they really take it on board.”
Since its inception in 2016, the Science Roadshow has visited 85 schools across the state and reached 14,975 students.
All presenters are part of the University of Melbourne’s equity scheme for domestic students, with multiple presenters having had the program visit them during their high school years.
Gerald Lynch
