Adelaide students get science savvy

By May 19th, 2006

Adelaide teens will wake to the sounds of the African dawn this weekend, as part of a sleep-over at Monarto Zoo.

The secondary students are the first in the nation to take part in CSIRO’s DoubleHelix@Uni.

They’ll sleep at the zoo, surrounded by the sounds of the animals.

University of Adelaide ecologist Dr David Paton and zoo keepers will take the students behind the scenes.

They’ll go on a safari bus tour, catch and band birds, as well as gaze at the cosmos through a telescope.

CSIRO Education’s Rona Sakko says it’s an inspirational way for the students to discover science.

“Animals and nature are real motivators for young people and a great way to discover how interesting science can be. The students are really excited about it and we hope that excitement carries them on into a science career.”

“University of Adelaide ecologist Dr David Paton and zoo keepers will take the students behind the scenes.”

DoubleHelix@Uni is a new extension of CSIRO’s Double Helix Science Club for 13 to 18 year olds, allowing them to preview university science and life as a tertiary student.

The program is a joint initiative of Flinders University, Murdoch University, The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and CSIRO.

  • When: 20 and 21 May 2006
  • Where: Monarto Zoo near Murray Bridge

Dr David Paton is available for interviews by request.

Fast facts

  • Adelaide teens will wake to the sounds of the African dawn this weekend, as part of a sleep-over at Monarto Zoo
  • The secondary students are the first in the nation to take part in CSIRO’s DoubleHelix@Uni
  • They’ll sleep at the zoo, surrounded by the sounds of the animals