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Chief Scientist Delighted By Microscope Making Class
Chief Scientist of Western Australia Professor Lyn Beazley was the special guest at the City of Melville’s school holiday Make a Microscope event at Wireless Hill Park for children eight to 16 years on Tuesday, 18 January 2011.
The educational session showed attending children how to make a microscope with real lenses to reveal some of the micro-details of the plants and life forms that inhabit the City of Melville.
Mayor Russell Aubrey said the City was delighted to welcome Professor Beazley to the event in celebration of youth and science.
“Professor Beazley was the first female Chief Scientist in Australia and she sets a wonderful example to all young people to be inspired by the magnificence of Science,” he said.
There have been eight Make a Microscope events attended by a total of 120 school children who gave 100 per cent of their effort and concentration in constructing a microscope.
Professor Beazley said she was impressed by the initiative to get the next generation involved in Science.
“The reason a microscope is important is that it opens up the world to young people in a way they’ve never seen before. Young people can look at flies’ eyes, bees’ knees, flowers and crystals and see them all on a vastly different scale,” she said.
“I want to see more young people develop an understanding of how Science relates to current issues like climate change and then, potentially, pursue a career in Science. I also want to see more women become involved in this important field.”
The children were taught by a City of Melville Volunteer, Richard Rennie, who is a retired Senior School Science Teacher. At the end of the session, the children took home their own handmade microscope.
Further information on the City of Melville’s school holiday events is available at: www.melvillecity.com.au/melville/arts-events