Science rocks in schools workshop

Year 7-10 students from Roma's schools had a chance at hands-on learning in chemistry and geology workshops.

PRACTICAL LESSON: Senex reservoir engineer Mary Kwong with students at the Rockin' Reactions workshop. Picture: KATRINA AYERS

TWO Roma schools have come together for science lessons this week, with students in Years 7-10 from St John's School and Roma State College taking part in the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy's latest workshop: Rockin' Reactions.

Students learned how rocks are formed by observing crystal formations under microscopes, and explored air drilling methods to determine geological features.

Senex reservoir engineer Mary Kwong was also involved in the lesson, showing the students which jobs people are doing in the local resources industry.

"It has been a great opportunity for students and teachers at both schools to engage with Senex representatives and help students join the dots between classroom learning and real-world applications,” St John's principal Donaugh Shirley said.

The schools have recently joined the QMEA, a part of the Queensland Resources Council, which has 60 member-schools, and lessons have been supported by academy partner Senex.

"Through industry support, we can bring the world of work into the classroom, and help encourage students to continue with high-level STEM studies into their senior school years and beyond,” director of skills education and diversity Katrina-Lee Jones said.

"QMEA has an exceptional record of encouraging students into STEM and vocational careers.

"For example, 19 per cent of QMEA students enter post-school study or employment in engineering and related technologies.”

The QMEA is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.