How do you keep your ice cream cool? – Helping young QLD students respond to real-world problems
Last week I was proud to represent GroundProbe at the Wonder of Science (WoS) regional conference in Emerald, Queensland where I discovered innovative ways to keep my ice cream cool.
What is WoS and what is its focus?
WoS has successfully showcased the benefits of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational culture in schools and communities for more than 11 years. They bring STEM to life for school students aged nine to fifteen by inspiring and encouraging them to participate through their Young Science Ambassadors mentoring program, various activities, and conferences. The Young Science Ambassadors – Ph.D. researchers from leading Queensland universities – not only help students with their tasks but ultimately act as inspiring role models for students and teachers.
School students participating in the program are encouraged to develop critical, creative, and collaborative thinking. Toward the end of the program, they are also challenged to create a group response to a real-world problem or scenario – with selected teams invited to participate in a regional student conference to present their response and showcase their work.
What happens at a regional conference?
Joining the WoS team yesterday, together with a group of 10 inspirational Young Science Ambassadors, I watched as the teams of eager young school students presented their challenge tasks and competed against other students (yesterday, three schools took part). Tasks included: Why is Earth the best planet in our solar system to sustain life; which marble would win the marble Olympics; how can we live more sustainably; how does energy change form; and how can you keep your ice cream cool?
As well as presenting their work, the young students met the Ambassadors in a ‘speed-met-the-scientists’ activity and took part in engaging workshops.
How did GroundProbe become involved?
In 2021 GroundProbe proudly helped facilitate a $300,000 grant over three years from the Orica Impact Fund to help positively impact the teaching of STEM to more than 20 schools and communities within the Bowen Basin, Mount Isa, and Gladstone regions.
As GroundProbe’s Chief Executive Officer, David Noon, said in 2021, “Ultimately, the goal of the initiative between GroundProbe and Orica is to encourage local school students to recognise their great potential and fall in love with STEM. Together we hope to build a strong, local future workforce here in regional Queensland.”
I am encouraged by what I witnessed yesterday and inspired by so many. Congratulations to everyone involved, especially the children and their teachers from Emerald North State School, Blackwater State School, Denison State School, and Dysart State High School.
I definitely learned a new way to keep my ice cream cool!
– Lisa Cronqvist – GroundProbe Marketing Communications Coordinator
Click here to learn more about Wonder of Science
Click here to learn more about The Orica Impact Fund
For more information email: marketing@groundprobe.com