Students across the country will be getting their hands dirty for the annual Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) Hermitage Schools Plant Science Competition, which this year focuses on soil.
The annual competition generates interest in agriculture and science among young Australians through hands-on experiments and activities in the classroom, with so far over 100 schools registered to take part.
DAF competition organiser Kerrie Rubie said the 2017 theme ‘the Dirt on Soils’ aimed to educate Prep to Year 12 students about the vital natural resource of soil.
“With creative, engaging and hands-on activities, students will gain an understanding of the important role soils play in our ecosystem,” Kerrie said.
“Participating students will be experimenting on soils, presenting the global importance of soils, playing the ‘A Day in the Life of Soils’ card game, creating a soils diorama and more.
“Students with an interest in art can also enter the Art in AgRiculTure Awards section, and create an artwork depicting what agriculture might look like in the year 2217, using soils and other earthy materials.
“Each year, the competition’s activities align to the Australian school curriculum, making it easier for teachers to incorporate the activities into their learning programs.
“The main goal is to make students more aware that science is a great, long-term, rewarding career choice.”
2017 competition winners will be awarded prizes, during National Science Week, on 15 August at the Hermitage Research Facility Awards Day and Agricultural Science Expo, Warwick.
Entries for the 2017 DAF Hermitage Schools Plant Science Competition will close on 23 June. Both schools and individuals can register their interest in participating at any stage. It is advised participants allow at least six weeks to complete the required activities before the closing date.
For more information contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23, visit www.daf.qld.gov.au, or follow us on Facebook Queensland Agricultureand Twitter @QldAgriculture
