Science EXPOsed 2006

A record 1,700 students from 62 NSW high schools converged on Macquarie St, Sydney, this year for the third Science EXPOsed, a two-day festival of science, engineering and technology. Launching Science EXPOsed on 26 October 2006, Member for Campbelltown and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Graham West encouraged more students to take up science subjects.

"Get involved and study science," Mr West told students. "It is science that has taught us about the dangers of climate change, and offers us solutions. Scientific research has eradicated some of the worst diseases of the 20th century and led to better health and longer life expectancy than ever before. Australia needs more scientists and researchers, and that's what Science EXPOsed is about, giving young people hands-on experience of the fun and the power of science," said Mr West.

Held at Parliament House, The Mint and the Hyde Park Barracks, Science EXPOsed 2006 featured exhibits, workshops, panel discussions and competitions. Two of the spectacular "living fossils", the rare Wollemi Pine, were on display, along with wonders from the Australian Museum and a 3.5 billion year old stromatolite from the Australian Centre for Astrobiology. 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.

Twelve Members of Parliament formed teams with students in the Science EXPOsed Challenge, a competition to create air cannons from pipe and balloons which could knock down a target at the greatest distance. ABC TV personalities James O'Loghlin (The New Inventors) and Jonica Newby (Catalyst) led scientists, musicians, teachers and ethicists in panel discussions on nanotechnology, careers and the places science can take you.

Also on 26 October 2006, fifteen outstanding young scientists were named the 2006/2007 Young Tall Poppies in an award ceremony held in Parliament House.

Science EXPOsed featured the following activities:

• Science Rocks! Careers Panel (see photos / slideshow)
• Science Challenge Competition (see photos / slideshow)
• Can Nanotechnology Transform Our Lives? A panel discussion (see photos / slideshow)
• Science Expo (see photos / slideshow)
• CSIRO Forensic Frenzy Workshop (see photos / slideshow)
• MadLab (see photos / slideshow)
• Questacon Liquid Nitrogen Show (see photos)
• SMART Entertainment (see photos / slideshow)

See all Science EXPOsed photos / slideshow

Science EXPOsed is an initiative of the Office for Science and Medical Research (part of the NSW Department of State and Regional Development) in partnership with the Department of Education and Training, Powerhouse Museum and the Science Teacher's Association of NSW.