Thirty Far North Queensland high school students have gone behind the scenes of tropical science and research as part of James Cook University’s Heroes in Science program.
The two-day experience gave Year 11 and 12 students hands-on insight into science and environmental careers, taking them from JCU’s Nguma-bada Campus in Cairns to the University’s world-renowned Daintree Rainforest Observatory.
Students began the program at JCU’s Smithfield campus before travelling into the Daintree for an overnight stay at the Observatory.
After dark, the group took part in field activities including spotlighting, insect light sheeting and bat observation, experiencing the rainforest’s tropical ecology at night.
The following day, students got their hands dirty with rainforest restoration and aquatic macroinvertebrate activities, before exploring the Observatory’s iconic canopy crane and gaining a unique perspective of the rainforest canopy.
JCU Team Leader, Future Students, Amber Paulger, said the program offered students a rare opportunity to experience science in action.
“Heroes in Science allows students to step into the world of scientific research and gain firsthand insight into where a career in science can take them,” Mrs Paulger said.
“Working alongside researchers in one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests gives students the chance to develop practical skills, build confidence and discover the many pathways available through science.”
Heroes in Science is one of several JCU Heroes programs designed to give senior secondary students an immersive introduction to study and careers.
Other programs include Heroes in Health, Heroes in Sport, Heroes in Business, Heroes in Veterinary Science and Heroes in Engineering.
The one and two-day programs allow students to explore areas of interest, experience university life and gain a better understanding of the study and career opportunities available to them.
