Top Territory students sample science

Ten talented high school students from Darwin and Alice Springs have put their science skills into motion at Charles Darwin University’s Casuarina campus.

The students visited the chemistry laboratories and learned how to determine their blood types and what is involved in the creation of pharmaceuticals such as aspirin as part of the two-day Year 11 Science Excellence Experience event.

Students also learned about Kakadu Plum harvesting efforts in the Top End, how to prepare DNA for analysis, nutrition in relation to sports science, and how to work towards applying for a PhD.

Casuarina Senior College student Shanae Kuo said she was happy to be selected to attend the event as she was considering pursuing a double degree in science and education.

“It has been very interesting,” Shanae said.

“It is great to be directly involved in the experiments.”

St Philip’s College student Aaron Baseley said he flew to Darwin from Alice Springs to attend the event and was staying on campus at International House Darwin.

"I am considering studying at CDU after high school so am happy to have been chosen,” Aaron said.

The event was organised by CDU’s Faculty of Engineering, Health, Science and the Environment through the financial support of Valerie and Austin Asche. Students came from Darwin High School, Casuarina Senior College, Kormilda College, The Essington School Darwin and St Philip’s College in Alice Springs.