Southern Science Expo

Ms DIGANCE (Elder) (15:21): On Thursday 21 August, I was privileged to represent minister Rankine at the third Southern Science Expo held at the Tonsley Park TAFE for the very first time. As many commented, it was a most appropriate and vibrant venue. This year's Advanced Technology Industry School Program saw an innovative and varied range of projects. Thanks goes to Liz Mead, principal, Aberfoyle Park High School, for her lead role in this event and her passion in promoting student learning in the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Throughout the year, students from Aberfoyle Park High School, the Australian Science and Mathematics School, Blackwood High School, Hallett Cove School, Reynella East College, Seaview High School, Unley High School and a secondary school in my electorate of Elder, Hamilton Secondary College, have been immersed in research relating to the design, construction and testing of a wide variety of contemporary engineering solutions.

About 130 secondary school students gathered with the opportunity to present the results of their work to some 200 years 6 and 7 primary school students, as well as expert judges, of which I was pleased to be one. The students demonstrated the work they had conducted in fields including: 3D printing; robotics; energy-efficient housing; Concept2Creation, focusing on quadcopters; Lego robotics; data loggers; solar cars; and water rockets, to mention but a few.

The visiting primary school students had the opportunity to interact with over 30 hands-on exhibitions, therefore igniting their scientific passion. They also had the opportunity to vote for the best display based on the criteria of presentation, explanation and interactivity. The winner of this section was the data logger display by Unley High School, with the runner-up being Hamilton Secondary College with their Concept2Creation display. Each school also nominated one exhibition for judging by the expert judges based on the level of innovation. Again, congratulations to Hamilton Secondary College with their Concept2Creation display, as they took out this award too.

I would like to thank the teachers and students of all the schools involved. A special mention must go to the students who presented each of the projects on show and their comprehensive ability in explaining their projects. Congratulations also to the successful participants. Firstly, Unley High School and, secondly, Hamilton Secondary College, which, under the guidance of the wonderful staff and principal, Peter Mader, were fortunate on this occasion to come away with two awards. A special mention to principal Peter Mader for his commitment and passion to Hamilton Secondary School overall as he moves on to another challenge at the end of this term. I wish him the best for his future. It was a fantastic event and I was really pleased and privileged to attend. I look forward to next year's science expo.