Questacon - the National Science and Technology Centre wants young Victorians with a passion for ideas, innovation and technology to attend the 2015 Questacon Invention Convention.
High school students aged 14 to 18 from Victoria are urged to apply for the Invention Convention, which will bring together up to 20 students from around the state for a three–day workshop . The Invention Convention, supported by The Ian Potter Foundation and IP Australia, will run from September 22-24 at the Discovery Science & Technology Centre in Bendigo.
The convention will give students a deeper understanding of taking an idea through the design process and experience solving problems creatively, with presentations from local industry and entrepreneurs.
Students will work with local experts to devise and prototype unique solutions to real-world problems using existing and emerging technology. The local contributors will include representatives from Keech 3D and Fosterville Gold Mine.
“A major feature of the Invention Convention is the mentoring programme,” Invention Convention Coordinator, Aidan Murray, said. “Mentors work with participants to pass on valuable knowledge and experience, giving them insight into the world of innovation, design and technology while also passing on the skills and inspiration required to succeed.”
Participants will create prototypes and develop new designs and ideas, working with high-tech equipment such as 3D printers, modular electronics, robotics, tools, and software. The event will include activities focusing on innovation, prototyping, and communication.
“Students don’t need to have ever made a prototype for their ideas before, they just need to have loads of enthusiasm and a willingness to share ideas and learn new things,” Ms Murray said.
At the end of the convention, students will combine their ideas and present them to the other participants, mentors and their families, enabling them to share the knowledge and what they have gained from the programme.
The Invention Convention is part of the broader Questacon Smart Skills Initiative. The Initiative is funded jointly by the Australian Government and The Ian Potter Foundation, with activities delivered nationally through regional partnerships and digital communications technology.
The Questacon Smart Skills team has just started a two-week tour through regional Victoria visiting 35 schools with the aim of inspiring young Australians to become innovators and pursue futures in science, technology, engineering and maths.
All students participating will be encouraged to apply for the Invention Convention programme. Invention Convention applications close Friday, September 11.
For more information or to apply go to www.questacon.edu.au or call 1800 889 995.
