University of Queensland conference program officer Dr Kaylene Butler said they had 23 teams attend the regional conference.

“We had year levels five through to nine, in teams of four. Each team presented their research program to judges then after feedback, presented it again,” Dr Butler said.

“They participated in activities - like learning how to communicate science properly - because our aim is to encourage students to think critically and scientifically, to effectively engage girls and boys in science.”

“We had some all girl teams win. I’m really passionate about getting girls into STEM, so it was great to see year 5 from Happy Valley and year 7 from St Joseph’s School Cloncurry win.

“We’re seeing a lot of girls winning in the competition even though it’s generally mixed teams, just by way of who they chose to work with,” she said.

All the projects were designed to be in line with the Australian Curriculum for Science however the Wonder of Science program added an extra layer by asking a question the students had to research, design or make something of.

Overall 565 students participated in the program which saw scientists fly into Mount Isa several times throughout the term.

“About three quarters of our young science ambassadors are women who travelled to Mount Isa and have PHDs or are early career scientists.

The winning scientists were from Year 5 - Happy Valley State School, Yr 6 - St Joseph’s School Cloncurry, Yr 7- St Joseph’s School Cloncurry, Yr 8 - Spinifex State School, Yr 9 - Cloncurry State School.

Dr Butler said some teams conducted experiments, some designed seismographs for example, and senior school students presented their research findings with data analysis.

The winning teams were invited to the Wonder of Science State Conference in Brisbane in November.

The Wonder of Science Program was administered by the University of Queensland and sponsored by Glencore.

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