Aug 4 2020
National Science Week kicks off 13 August this year with the theme ‘deep blue’ centring on protecting the future of our oceans and its inhabitants.
Taking up the theme, ANSTO will run a hackathon - giving school kids the chance to problem-solve and come up with new, exciting and practical ways to use oceans to innovate for a changing climate.
ANSTO are inviting Secondary School students in years 7-11 from across the country to sign up to take part in the inaugural hackathon.
Students that participate will have one-on-one access via zoom to ANSTO scientists, industry experts from ANSTO’s innovation hub nandin and expert engineers to sound off ideas and receive mentorship.
During the competition, ANSTO mentors will help the team of students test their assumptions and lead them to innovative solutions to problems – just like scientists do every day.
The hackathon supports what teachers are doing in class and is designed to promote core STEM subjects and get kids inspired for a future in science.
Rod Dowler from the Discovery Centre at ANSTO, said the hackathon will give kids real-world problems that they can relate to and resolve in real time.
“The idea is to get kids interested in what a career in science can offer – and have fun doing it,” Mr Dowler said.
“Through ANSTO’s National Science Week Hackathon students will access some of the best STEM minds in the country, many of whom themselves are looking for solutions to some of the biggest issues facing our planet and ocean.
“Participants will be challenged on their ideas and will actively work with their mentors to find viable solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing the world’s oceans.
“The student ‘hackers’ gain creative confidence and valuable team-working skills with plenty of online tools to help them collaborate with scientists, professionals, and entrepreneurs.
“I encourage all schools to consider getting involved, it's an excellent way for young people to get engaged and learn about science in a different way to how they would normally in a classroom.
“ANSTO’s National Science Week Hackathon is unique as it is the first time we will bring school students together with scientists and entrepreneurs in into a hackathon environment. We are looking forward to what creative solutions will come from this.”
Submissions close 5:00pm Thursday 6 August 2020.
Register your interest now and find more information about ANSTO’s National Science Week Hackathon at: www.ansto.gov.au/national-science-week-hackathon
Source: https://www.ansto.gov.au/