RoboRaptor, Andy the humanoid robot, Skeleton Steve a larger-than-life model will bring the fascinating world of science to school students on the NSW mid-north coast over the coming fortnight.
They are all part of SMART, a science communication program run by the University of Newcastle, aimed at inspiring young people to consider studying science.
The show is heading to schools in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Dorrigo, Macksville and Sawtell.
Kathryn Hair, a SMART Scholar from the University of Newcastle's Faculty of Science and Information Technology, said the program aimed to make science fun.
"SMART stands for Science, Mathematics and Real Technology, and was started nine years ago to address the decline in the number of students studying chemistry, physics and biology at a HSC level," Ms Hair said.
"The decline meant that students were not going on to study those subjects at university, and this was leading to a significant skills shortage across the globe in science-based industries.
"Our program approaches science in a fun yet practical way using the mysteries of the human body and robots to uncover the wonders of science."
The SMART Program is bringing two science shows on their north coast tour: The Body Show and SMARTbots Inc, which use interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities.
The Body Show explores the systems that make up the human body. Students can investigate a large foam heart that demonstrates the different heart chambers and the flow of blood around the body. Skeleton Steve is a child-size skeleton puzzle, and students can also touch and feel a giant nose.
SMARTbots Inc explains the technology behind robots and what makes them tick. Students are introduced to RoboRaptor, Andy the humanoid robot and 'Destructor' simulator during an interactive 40 minute tour of SMARTbots headquarters.
For a further details of the tour, including the schools involved, please see the schedule below.
For further information: Kathryn Hair on 0413 620 652 before 9am or after 3pm.
SMART road show hits the NSW mid-north coast
The University of Newcastle's SMART road show will be at the following locations:
Monday 26 - Thursday 29 November
- Monday 26 November - St Augustine's Primary School, Coffs Harbour
- Tuesday 27 November - St Augustine's Primary School, Coffs Harbour
- Wednesday 28 November - Port Macquarie Public School
- Thursday 29 November - Dorrigo Public School
- Monday 3 December - Macksville Public School
- Tuesday 4 December - Sawtell Public School
- Wednesday 5 December - Macksville Public School
- Thursday 6 December - Coffs Harbour Public School
