CSIRO Lab

Chemists at work

Years 7 (60-90 minutes)

Equip your students with the skills to be real scientists. By conducting hands-on investigations students learn about mineral resources, chemical reactions, crystal formation, chemical properties of minerals and geological changes caused by the environment.

Chemical Sciences, Earth and Space Sciences, Science Inquiry Skills, Use and Influence of Science

CSI forensic investigators

Years 5-7 (60 minutes)

Students use science inquiry skills to investigate evidence collected from the scene of a crime. They make observations, analyze results and develop explanations.

Chemical Sciences, Science Inquiry Skills, Use and Influence of Science

Eco-forensics

Years 5-7 (60-90 minutes)

In this environmental hypothetical, students measure heavy metals, analyze river salt, explore why fish stocks are declining, and recommend an action plan for the future of the community. This hands-on problem-solving program is relevant to Australia’s current environmental issues.

Sustainability, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Science Inquiry Skills

Entomology

Years 6-7 (60 minutes)

Explore CSIRO Entomology’s three key Insecta research areas: emerging biological threats and invasive alien species, invertebrate biodiversity and bio-industries. Students discover how to identify insects, how the environment affects their behaviour, and how insects affect humans.

Biological Sciences, Science Inquiry Skills, Use and Influence of Science

Freewheeling physics

Years 6-7 (60-90 minutes)

Using wacky races, microphones and scientific equipment students conduct investigations to explore the transfer of energy by studying motion and sound. They also investigate sustainable energy sources.

Physical Sciences, Science Inquiry Skills, Use and Influence of Science, Sustainability

Healthy bodies

Year 7 (60 minutes)

Students use scientific methods to investigate foods, learn about human body function and use specialist equipment at a physical medical check-up station.

Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Science Inquiry Skills, Use and Influence of Science

How bizarre

Years 5-7 (60 minutes)

Design experiments, make observations, record data, analyse results and present the findings. Students use scientific knowledge to evaluate whether they should accept claims, explanations or predictions by testing some bizarre phenomenon.

Science as a Human Endeavour – Use and Influence of Science, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Science Inquiry Skills

Plantech

Years 5-7 (60-90 minutes)

Students explore the fascinating world of plant growth and reproduction. They use specialist laboratory equipment to explore the fascinating world of plant cell structures, hydroponics, plant dyes, breeding and cloning, and discover how plants propagate.

Biological Sciences, Science Inquiry Skills, Use and Influence of Science, Nature and Development of Science

Robotics

Years 5-7 (60-90 minutes)

After an introduction to robots and their place in research and society, students explore the sensors that the robot vehicle needs to operate and program them. They make modifications to see if they can improve function.

Nature and Development of Science, Physical Sciences, Technology skills

Rocks to rockets

Years 5-7 (60-90 minutes)

Students learn about the mining process from exploration through to properties of minerals and their identification and extraction and use scientific equipment and techniques that are used in the mining industry.

Earth and Space Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Science Inquiry Skills, Use and Influence of Science

Slime time

Years 4-7 (60-90 minutes)

Solids, liquids and gases can be very intriguing when conducting hands-on experiments to compare particle behaviour and properties of materials. Students explore and make their own fake snow and slime, identify physical changes and explore unusual substances.

Chemical Sciences, Science Inquiry Skills, Use and Influence of Science, Nature and Development of Science

Bookings and information

For school bookings, please click here or call 9215 0740.