Students learn to solve murders in Parliament House

A forensics workshop was one of over 25 exhibitions, shows and activities that took place at this year’s enormously popular Science EXPOsed, where more than 1,600 students from 64 high schools in NSW became immersed in discovering the array of career opportunities available in science.

Minister Verity Firth, Minister for Science and Medical Research, called on our nation to “encourage young people to follow a scientific career” to enable their generation to “cope with the challenges of the future” when she launched the 2007 two-day festival of science, engineering and technology at Hyde Park Barracks on 18 October.

Sydney’s earliest colonial buildings on Macquarie Street, Sydney – Parliament House, the Mint, and Hyde Park Barracks – were venues for some of the newest ideas and technologies available. Science Expo exhibits from New South Wales’ leading science and medical research institutions included hands-on displays of heart research, sport and science, astrobiology, food science technology, police forensics, physics and photonics.

ABC TV personalities James O'Loghlin (The New Inventors) and Jonica Newby (Catalyst) led scientists, ecologists, forensic police and ethicists in panel discussions on nanotechnology and science careers.

Science EXPOsed 2007 also featured workshops, panel discussions and competitions. Over the two days, students solved a crime using DNA and forensic evidence, explored the wonders of cryogenics and liquid nitrogen, and learned to create electronic circuits in the popular MadLab workshops.

One highlight of Science EXPOsed 2007 was the Science EXPOsed Challenge, produced by the Great Engineering Challenge team from the University of NSW. Within the confines of NSW Parliament House, twelve MPs formed teams with students from their electorates to simulate a road safety challenge.

Teams were required to construct a model 'truck' and test it on a track in simulated wet and dry conditions with several different weights and load bearings.

The Young Tall Poppy Science Awards were also presented to thirteen outstanding, young scientists at an event at NSW Parliament House on 18 October 2007.