Students take part in plant science comp

Bees are the focus of a Queensland school plant science competition, with entries closing in June this year.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner is encouraging Queensland school students to get involved in the 27th annual Hermitage Research Facility Plant Science Competition. This year’s “The Buzz About Bees” theme will focus on the important role bees play in supporting our agricultural and horticultural industries.

“Students will get hands-on with bee-themed investigations and activities that will uncover the importance of Australia’s apiary industry,” he said.

“This competition is giving students a taste of the science behind the agriculture supply chain.

“The rising demand for the skills needed to maintain food security and our global reputation for high-quality safe products makes it important to attract young people who could become key members of that workforce.”

More than 4800 students from 165 schools across Australia have already registered to be part of the competition.

Hermitage Research Facility Schools Plant Science Competition activities are aligned to the Australian school curriculum, making it easy for teachers to incorporate the competition project into learning programs.

Students can enter any or all of the three award categories: Plant Science Project Awards, Art in AgRiculTure Awards, and the QuestaGame ‘Pest Invaders’ BioQuest.

Registrations are open until 31 May for school students to enter this year’s competition, with entries closing on 23 June.

All competition entrants will be in the running for a selection of awards and prizes. Winners will be announced on 15 August during National Science week at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Hermitage Research Facility’s annual Awards Day and Agricultural Science Expo in Warwick.

Image credit: iStock.com/lynnebeclu