Science week starts early
Oakey high school students get a glimpse into mining
OAKEY State High School students got a jump start on science week when representatives from New Acland Mine visited the school to share their passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
New Acland Mine operations and technical services manager Dave O’Dwyer and community liaison Bec Meacham shared their career stories with the students to inspire them to continue studying the subjects as part of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy’s STEM4 School Kid’s Program.
The students experienced handson science by undertaking in a copper extraction experiment, learning about process engineering techniques and mine resource management.
The visit coincided with the Year 10 students considering their subjects for senior study and future career pathways in the lead up to National Science Week.
“Bringing the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy to Oakey State High School opens students up to all the different possibilities the resource industry can offer them,” Mr O’Dwyer said.
“A lot of resource professional and vocational career pathways are underpinned by high school study in these subjects, so it’s really important to us to get our local students involved in those types of subjects.”
Oakey State High School head of department of HPE, Mathematics and Science Jelena Edhouse welcomed the hands-on nature of the workshop.
“It really helped the students to see science in action and understand the practical application of their studies,” Ms Edhouse said.
“It’s exciting to see all those light bulb moments occur while they are preparing for the careers of the future.”