• Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga to host 250 high school students for HSC Chemistry Days

Charles Sturt University will host 250 Riverina high school students as they learn from university academics at the HSC Chemistry Days in Wagga Wagga.

Now in its 22^nd year, the HSC Chemistry Days are hosted by the School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences, the National Life Sciences Hub (NaLSH) and the Eastern Riverina Science Teacher Association.

Almost 250 Year 11 and 12 students from 24 high schools will converge at the University in Wagga Wagga on Monday 17, Tuesday 18, Thursday 20 and Friday 21 February.

The students will have access to chemicals, equipment and facilities at the University to complete hands-on activities illustrating chemical concepts, which form part of their Higher School Certificate studies.

Activities include measuring the pH of household products, measuring iron levels in cereal, burning jelly babies, and making elephant toothpaste.

Participants will also have access to academics to discuss university and career options.

Senior Lecturer in Chemistry and Course Director with the Faculty of Science Dr Celia Barril (pictured) said this successful partnership has allowed generations of students to develop their interest in chemistry.

“About 5,000 students have attended the program since it first ran in 1999,” she said.

“We love meeting students and sharing our passion for chemistry.

“It’s also fun to catch up with teachers year after year, especially those who are former Charles Sturt chemistry students.”

About sixty students a day will participate in the four-day event, which will be held in the NaLSH (building 289) from 9.30am to 2.30pm.