Students get a taste of uni life

Young Kimberley science whizzes and budding engineers unleashed their potential and imagination when they took part in the Indigenous Science Camp earlier this month.

Eight students from Broome and four students from Kununurra joined other Year 10 students from around the State for the 17th annual event, held from July 11-15, hosted by the University of Western Australia.

The camp is sponsored by Aspire UWA, an outreach program that encourages students from low socio-economic, indigenous and regional backgrounds to access the lifelong benefits of higher education.

During the week, the cohort learnt about surviving the slums, testing water rockets, learning about the Noongar people’s six seasons, experimenting with liquid nitrogen, making moulds of teeth, and also challenged their sporting abilities.

Students who have taken part in the the secondary science camps over the years have gone on to graduate from UWA and embarked on careers in science, health and engineering.

While at UWA, the students explored the campus and took part in activities run by the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, the Schools of Physics, Dentistry, Sports Science, Exercise and Health, the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health, and student clubs such as Engineers Without Borders.

They also visited University Hall and St Thomas More College and took part in cultural science workshops with Bindi Bindi Dreaming and Noongar musician, performer and writer Dr Richard Walley.

The week ended with a river cruise to reward students for their enthusiasm and willingness to participate.

UWA School of Indigenous Studies student services officer Brendon DeGois said the program was a great success, with students given a good insight into the options and careers available to them.

“Every student participated in all activities,” he said. “Hopefully they’ve come across study areas they may not have considered before and perhaps they are areas they will consider studying in the future.”

Mr DeGois said one of the benefits of the camp was the way it presented subjects like maths to indigenous students in an engaging way.

“It’s about getting rid of the myths about maths for indigenous students, breaks down barriers and encourages them to study in those areas.”