Year 9 students from across New South Wales will spend next week hearing about the wonders of space science, gaining hands-on experience in forensic DNA fingerprinting and taking a closer look at artificial intelligence.
The world of maths and science will be on show at the University of Newcastle, with 180 Year 9 students from across the state in town for the Girls Choices Summer School.
The students, from 70 schools around NSW - some as far away as Broken Hill, Albury and Norfolk Island - will spend five days at the annual event, which highlights the opportunities for females in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations), Professor Kevin McConkey, said the Girls Choices Summer School aimed to develop the girls' confidence in their abilities.
"The School involves science, maths and engineering activities to open up the world of scientific thinking through creative problem solving," he said.
"We aim to help young girls realise the pathways to exciting and interesting careers in innovative technical professions."
Almost three-quarters of the girls attending the third annual Summer School are from country areas. For many, it will be their first visit to a university and their first visit to the Hunter region.
The University has joined with local organisations to provide hands-on, interactive site visits for the students at Hunter Water Corporation, Newcastle City Council and the RAAF base at Williamtown.
Throughout the week the girls will hear from young women working as environmental and structural engineers, construction managers, physicists and project managers.
Photo opportunities are available across the week, including:
- Monday 7, Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 December from 9am - 10.45am.
- Rooms G03 and 104 Electrical Engineering Building: students will learn about artificial intelligence and robotics by manipulating and controlling robots.
- McMullin Lecture Theatre: students will watch the Archie Girder Show, with straws pushed through raw potatoes and eggs not cracking under pressure.
- LS2-25 Life Sciences Lecture Theatre: forensic DNA fingerprinting.
- Monday 7, Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 December from 11am - 12.45pm.
- HC01, HC02, HC11, HC19 Hunter building: Science and Engineering Challenge.
- Thursday 10 December from 9.30am - 3pm: Students will be at the Central Coast campus of the University.
- Castle east, room 112: Oral health
- LT1: Sports science
- CS20.1: Astronomy
Professor Kevin McConkey is available for interview. Students attending the Girls Choices Summer School will be available from Monday 7 December, please contact Belinda Munn.
