Grade four boy takes "ant-lions" share of science awards
Curiosity about predatory insects nicknamed "ant lions" has led to a grade four Gold Coast boy winning the Young Scientist Award at the 1999 Queensland Science Contest.
Sponsored by the University of Queensland's Faculties of Biological and Chemical Sciences (BACS), and Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture (EPSA), the Contest this year attracted entries from hundreds of pre-school to year 12 aged students across the state.
BACS Faculty Executive Dean Professor Mick McManus and EPSA Executive Dean Professor Andrew Lister are both enthusiastic supporters of establishing links with school science programs, students and teachers through such events.
BACS Faculty Director of Studies Associate Professor Rod Rogers said the Contest encouraged imaginative science projects in schools.
"It attracts a wide range of ages and helps students to see how much fun science can be. It also focuses attention on all the good things happening in school science programs," he said.
All Saints Anglican School student Christopher Bentley, 9, entered an outstanding project to win the overall award. His entry consisted of an information folder about ant lions and the tiny pit-like traps they set for ants and other insects. Christopher "adopted" four of the creatures, naming them and establishing homes for them in the bottom of plastic drink containers in his bedroom.
Approximately 100 prizes with a total value of several thousand dollars will be awarded this weekend. Organised by the Science Teachers Association of Queensland, the contest is judged across five age divisions with students entering displays, work folders or collections in one of four categories: Experimental Research; Models and Inventions; Classified Collections or; Information and Communication Technology.
Cash prizes or bursaries are awarded by around 15 companies and organisations. Professor Lister will present the Young Scientist of the Year Award at the presentation afternoon in the University's Axon Room on Saturday, September 11. All entries will be displayed in the Heath Room at the University's Student Union Complex until 4pm Saturday.
For more information, contact BACS Faculty Schools Liaison Officer Ann Meiklejohn (telephone 07 3365 1197).
