Alice Stanley and Emily Saunders from Guyra Central School were amongst more than 200 secondary school students taking part in the awards. 

The awards celebrate student achievements in science and allow them to showcase their school science projects to scientists.

The Guyra students took home third place in the Junior Scientist of the Year award for their project: “1,2,3 Blink”.

As part of the awards, students from around the region presented 160 science investigation projects which they had completed at school.

Among the project topics taken on by the students were the following:

• Health: what’s the cost?

• Natural remedies: will they kill bugs?

• Which assault instrument causes the most dominant blood spatter?

• Which thickening agent creates viscosity in soup?

• Which concentration of fertiliser increases plant growth the most?

• Do starting blocks decrease the start time for the 100m?

• Are push & twist childproof containers effective?

A presentation ceremony was held for award recipients at the conclusion of the event, with $4,050 offered in prize money to the award-winning schools and students. 

UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Annabelle Duncan, a scientist herself, officially welcomed the school students, scientists and sponsors at the event. Professor Duncan spoke of her fascinating career in science and encouraged students to continue following their interests in the field.

Guyra Central School Science teacher Yvette Ballard said that is very important to recognise that science is more than just in the classroom – for students to experience it and become excited in topics that they want to have a look at.

“I was very impressed with their efforts,” she said. “I try to take a back seat and I was truly blown away by the projects from other students as well as my own.”