Hand-on lab lessons

STUDENTS at Kambrya College got an important lesson in science through a CSIRO Education program.
CSIRO Education provided modern laboratory equipment to enable students to test and then analyse immune responses against viruses like bird influenza and parasites causing malaria.
On Friday, 3 May, Minister for Science and Research Senator Don Farrell and La Trobe MP Laura Smyth donned lab coats and joined the Year 12 students for a biology lesson.
The immunology program being run at Kambrya is designed around a unit of the VCE Biology curriculum.
Senator Farrell said the session was a practical example of CSIRO Education’s ability to travel to schools and provide quality access to equipment and expertise.
“The program runs for about two hours and students get to undertake testing and analysis techniques used in working laboratories and research organisations around the world,” Senator Farrell said.
“Programs like these provide an invaluable insight into immunology in particular, but health medical research more broadly. Students will get a better and deeper understanding of the concepts than they would using simply text books or even online media. There is no substitute for real hands-on laboratory experience.”
Ms Smyth, who studied chemistry as part of her science and law qualifications, said she hoped more young people became interested in science or inspired to take up study or a career in science.
Kambrya College has about 1200 students and CSIRO Education has provided education programs at the school since 2005. Each year, more than 350,000 students across Australia access hands-on science education through the CSIRO.
CSIRO Education also designs and co-ordinates a wide range of high-quality public engagement activities as part of Inspiring Australia and National Science Week.