The Santos Science Experience will return to the University of South Australia Mount Gambier Campus for a third year. The program will engage Year 10 students from various schools throughout the region in fascinating science activities.

The three -day program is led by UniSA Connect and will challenge students to consider how living conditions can be improved for developing countries using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). UniSA Mount Gambier Regional Manager Ian McKay said the program will be held in two sessions from August 9-11 and August 11-13.

“UniSA Mount Gambier is again excited to host the Santos Science Experience at our campus, providing 60 Year 10 students from 10 secondary schools in our region an opportunity to participate in an outstanding three day science experience,” he said.

Sponsored nationally by Santos, the national program is hosted by most Australian universities and over 70,000 students have participated since it launched. OneFortyOne is the major local sponsor of the event and additional local sponsors include The Commodore and the Rotary Clubs of Millicent, Mount Gambier and Mount Gambier Lakes.

“The support of OneFortyOne, The Commodore and the Rotary Clubs of Millicent, Mount Gambier and Mount Gambier Lakes has been invaluable allowing Year 10 students in our region to experience the opportunity of The Santos Science Experience locally,” Mr McKay said.

Mr McKay said the hands-on program will engage the students in fun and fascinating science activities. They will use VR headsets to embark on a virtual excursion to Kibera, one of the largest slums in Kenya, and will focus on electronics, programming and applying technology to developing countries, housing design for energy efficiency and access to clean water.

They will conclude with a formal presentation on what they learned. Lead facilitator Anita Trenwith said the program exposes students to an adult learning environment and is a great opportunity to develop connections and network with likeminded peers from other schools.

“I think it’s important because even if they decide not to pursue a STEM career, the skills they learn are beneficial in any career,” Ms Trenwith said.