The University of Melbourne’s traveling science show rolled into town at Keilor Downs College, in an effort to foster enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among the students.
The University’s Science Delivery team visited the secondary school to encourage students to view university as an achievable pathway to rewarding careers in STEM.
The engaging presentations, delivered by a team of current Bachelor of Science students, featured exciting and interactive demonstrations, including hydrogen balloon explosions, robots, and a wave of flames.
The student presenters not only showcased captivating scientific experiments but also shared their personal university experiences, aiming to inspire students to pursue further studies in STEM fields.
Manager of the university’s outreach programs, Julia Cleghorn highlighted the program aims to increase the participation of high school students from under-represented schools in STEM training and careers.
“Our young presenters have had similar upbringings and come from regional areas, so they are relatable role models for these high school students, who see that they could also succeed at university,” she said.
“Through hands-on experiments, we aim to make science accessible and show the many ways it impacts daily life.”
All presenters are part of the University of Melbourne’s equity scheme for domestic students, Access Melbourne, which helps Indigenous Australians, financially disadvantaged students, and students from regional and remote areas to undertake tertiary studies.
“Our presenters receive extensive training and are responsible for developing the program content, so they improve their communication and teamwork skills, while having a unique experience and building friendships, too,” Ms Cleghorn said.
