Unearthing Science

Energise the budding scientists in your Year 9 and 10 students

Introducing rural and regional students to the concept of independent scientific investigation, with a focus on environmental and ecological research.

Introduction

Students are encouraged to think critically and curiously about the natural world through science.

Students are tasked with designing and carrying out a research project, collecting data from their own local environment or community, and presenting their work in a variety of communication pathways, including social media. They will do this through the help of our ‘portable labs’, packed with scientific equipment and sent to them to help guide and facilitate their investigations.

Support will be provided through guides on how to design good scientific experiments, and how to maximise the ‘portable labs’. Teachers can follow our recommended lesson plan, or work with us to tailor the program to suit the needs of the classroom.

Along the way, students will:

be inspired by a virtual Q&A with a current science researcher
given personalised tips and scientific feedback from experienced scientists at the University
get an opportunity to use their social media skills and promote their research to local councils and landcare groups.

What is it like to participate in the program?

Hear from one of the schools about their experience participating in Unearthing Science.

"As a teacher in a rural area of Australia, it can be challenging to find ways of exposing my students to new ideas and the range of opportunities science can create for them. The knowledge of experts like those at the University of Sydney provide invaluable insights that enrich learning. The Unearthing Science program is a fantastic innovation that makes it easy for high school students and teachers to engage in meaningful scientific investigations."

- Teacher, Coomealla High School, rural NSW

Program dates

Unearthing Science is exclusively available for high schools in regional & rural areas of New South Wales.

The program is free and available to run in any school term, and you can register for any term ahead of the dates listed below corresponding to that term.

Registration deadlines for 2021
Term 1 – 11 December 2020
Term 2 – 11 March 2021
Term 3 – 11 June 2021
Term 4 – 27 August 2021