Planting a seed for farm science
CATCHING THE BUG: Year 9 St Saviour’s College students Christine Giwar (left) and Loraine Rahiria keep a check on their science project under the direction of teacher Dr Tania Van Den Ancker. The school has entered the Hermitage Research Facility Schools Plant Science Competition which is designed to encourage careers in agricultural science.
IT’S rare to see an entire class enthusiastically engaged in a science lesson, but these Year 9 St Saviour’s College students are an exception.
Jasmine Van Bael and Gabrielle Woodcock took great delight in explaining to Agriculture Minister John McVeigh the impact temperatures had on the breeding habits of bugs and beetles in various mediums.
And aside from turning principal Margaret Battle off common household foods such as scotch finger biscuits, the class has seen impressive results since the Hermitage Research Facility Schools Plant Science Competition began in February.
“The girls are running three different tests to judge the effects of temperatures on the breeding
Dr Tania Van Den Ancker: The project allows us to learn how to stop the breeding of the beetles.
habits of the beetles with three different types of cereals,” teacher Dr Tania Van Den Ancker said.
“The project allows us to learn how to stop the breeding of the beetles in the household products found in most pantries and cupboards at home.”
Mr McVeigh said the hermitage competition was designed to help students recognise the long-term career prospects in science and agriculture. He said more than 70 entries had been received from schools around the state, and urged others to register their projects by Friday, June 27.
Visit www.daff.qld.gov.au for more information.