CRC for Plant Biosecurity - schools

Scientists of Tomorrow?

K.Scott — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:41:55 +0000

Last Thursday night, the CSIRO Discovery Centre was buzzing with primary school students from across the Australian Capital Territory presenting ‘plant biosecurity research projects'.

The Scientists of Tomorrow Summit was the finale of the CRC's Scientists of Tomorrow Program which has been run through ACT primary schools in 2008. The event was attended by over 140 children, families, teachers and members of the plant biosecurity community.

Throughout the year, 28 classes (Years 4, 5 and 6) from ten primary schools have participated in the program to learn about the importance of plant biosecurity and encourage enthusiasm for science in the classroom.

After setting up their ‘exhibition booths', the student's research projects were judged by a panel consisting of Biosecurity Australia's Principal Scientist, Dr Bill Roberts, the ABC's Surfing Scientist, Ruben Meerman and the CRCNPB's Chairman, Professor John Lovett and Education and Training Program Leader, Dr Kirsty Bayliss.

CRCNPB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Simon McKirdy said the judging panel and CRCNPB staff were amazed at the quality of research and innovative thinking the students demonstrated in their projects.

‘All students developed outstanding forward-thinking projects related to plant biosecurity which made the task of judging the best projects very difficult,' said Dr McKirdy.

‘They presented themselves and their projects as young professional scientists, and showed a fantastic ability to conduct research and think innovatively about science,' he said.

Dr McKirdy said the aim of CRCNPB's school education strategy is to foster enthusiasm for science in the younger generation, as well as create awareness of plant biosecurity.

‘The CRCNPB hopes to engage children at an early age so they become excited about science as a career option,' he said.

‘The energy and dedication shown by students at the summit demonstrates that science can be fun and these students are possibly Australia's ‘Scientists of Tomorrow'.

While the judges' scores were collated, children and families were entertained with science experiments from the ABC's Surfing Scientist, Ruben Meerman who later announced Chapman Primary School as the overall winners for their remote control helicopter ‘spore trapping' project, ‘The Spore-acopter'.

Curtin Primary School took out second prize with their ‘remote microscopes' project and Burgmann Anglican School were awarded third prize for their campaign to ‘raise awareness' of plant biosecurity in the community.

Image caption: Chapman Primary School celebrate their win with the ABC's Surfing Scientist, Ruben Meerman L to R: ‘Dr Sally Taylor, Professor Sam Barrett, Professor Courtney Hill, Professor Liam McMurtrie, Professor Luke Boom'

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Investigating plant pests

K.Scott — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 06:37:13 +0000

Last Thursday Australia's former Chief Scientist, Dr Jim Peacock launched the CRC's big book for children, Plant Pest Investigation at the CSIRO Discovery Centre.

The launch was attended by representatives from government and the education and plant biosecurity industries, as well as fifty kindergarten children from Gold Creek Primary School.

The ABC's Surfing Scientist, Ruben Meerman kept the children and adults entertained in his role as Master of Ceremonies, clearly demonstrating his passion for science education.

Chief Executive Officer, Dr Simon McKirdy welcomed guests to the launch followed by an important message on plant biosecurity from CRC Chair, Professor John Lovett. The CRC were honoured to have Australia's former Chief Scientist, Dr Jim Peacock AC launch Plant Pest Investigation.

Dr Peacock said Plant Pest Investigation will be a key resource to foster interest in science and educate children about the importance of plant biosecurity.

‘Resources such as this book provide the younger generation with awareness of important issues and are also fundamental to capturing enthusiasm for science at an early age,' said Dr Peacock.

‘By sharing the story with their families, hopefully children will raise community awareness about plant biosecurity issues and become ambassadors for science,' he said.

Sounds of giggles and laughter filled the auditorium when, John from CSIRO gave the children large stick-insects to hold. Although the insects created excitement in the audience, Dr Peacock was quick to remind the children that insects in large numbers can be damaging to Australian crops and vegetation.

After launching the book, Dr Wheaten, the book's character scientist gave an animated reading, captivating both children and adults alike.

Plant Pest Investigation is a beautifully illustrated book for children targeted at the five to eight year old age groups. The book follows siblings Lily and Sam on an investigation to find out why Sam's plant got sick. They are helped with their investigation by plant biosecurity scientist Dr Wheaten. During their investigation they visit a real science laboratory, reminisce about their overseas holiday and take a visit to their grandparents' farm.

Plant Pest Investigation can be ordered through the CRC's website.

The Surfing Scientist, Ruben Meerman, children from Gold Creek Primary School and teacher Leanne Hyland enjoy Plant Pest Investigation.

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Who are the scientists of tomorrow?

K.Scott — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:23:52 +0000

Media release: 7 November 2008

Primary school students from across the Australian Capital Territory presented ‘research projects' at the Cooperative Research Centre for National Plant Biosecurity's (CRCNPB) Scientists of Tomorrow Summit last night.

Held at the CSIRO Discovery Centre, the Summit was the finale of the CRCNPB's Scientists of Tomorrow Program which has been run through ACT primary schools in 2008.

The children's plant biosecurity research projects were judged by a panel consisting of Biosecurity Australia's Principal Scientist, Dr Bill Roberts, the ABC's Surfing Scientist, Ruben Meerman and the CRCNPB's Chairman, Professor John Lovett and Education and Training Program Leader, Dr Kirsty Bayliss.