Community & Business
24 August, 2022
Fostering student interest in Ag Science
Pilton State School’s objective in promoting student interest in Ag Science through participation in the 25th Hermitage Research Facility’s (HRF) Plant Science Competition has borne fruit with Pilton students on the prize winners list.
The competition aims to offer engaging ways for students to gain understanding and skills in key areas of the Australian science curriculum.
Pilton year 1 student Hayley Johnson was second in the John and Chris Purdie Young Science Investigator section of the competition and other students were awarded a host of individual awards for their creations.
Pilton State School principal Jon Robertson said the school is very pleased to offer students the opportunity to engage in real life science and greatly enjoy undertaking the art in agriculture section.
“We are very grateful to the organisers of this competition for providing our students with this inspirational activity,” Mr Robertson said.
Organisers and teachers believe encouraging the next generation of people who will be involved in agricultural/science careers is crucial to how we will face the future and is a key purpose of the competition.
The theme for the 2022 HRF Plant Science Competition was native foods and the competition attracted 3600 Prep to Year 12 students from 137 schools.
Mark Furner, Minister for Agriculture, Industry Development and Fisheries, said these aspiring young scientists have learnt about plant science, food technology and native foods and how this applies to developing nutritious and delicious foods.
One section required young students to artistically create a mosaic depicting native food or food systems that have sustained First Nation’s people for thousands of years or one that could enrich our diets today and a host of Pilton students enjoyed their participation in this activity.
If creating an interest in science begins at an early age then Pilton students may well be scientists of the future.
