Students turn to robotics

11/8/06
Nearly 500 students from schools all over Western Australia will be competing in the annual Robocup Junior competition, which was launched by Science and Innovation Minister Francis Logan today.
The launch of the competition, which is in its fifth year, coincides with the start of National Science Week.
Mr Logan said Robocup Junior aimed to bring the concepts of robotics and artificial intelligence into the classrooms of primary and secondary schools around the country.
He said the main focus of the competition was on learning, sharing, teamwork and fun. Each team had to design, build and program a robot that could dance, perform rescues or play soccer. The WA winner would represent the State in the national competition in September.
"This is a fantastic competition for students of all ages because it combines learning with having lots of fun and working as a team," the Minister said.
Participating schools include All Saints College, CBC Fremantle, Christ Church Grammar School, Como PS, Como Secondary College, Dale Christian School, Eneabba PS, Guildford Grammar School, Helena College, Landsdale PS, Lakeland SHS, Leeming SHS, Mercedes College, Murdoch College, Sacred Heart College, Seton Catholic College, Singleton PS, Warnbro Community High School, Willetton SHS and Yanchep DHS.
Now in its ninth year, National Science Week (which runs from August 12-20) is Australia's biggest science festival and a range of events and activities have been organised around WA. They include:

• Shopping Trolley Science: Free live science shows and hands-on exhibits at Centro Galleria Morley, from August 10-12.
• Water-wise to Water-wealthy: A range of talks, displays and activities about creating a water-wealthy State. Fremantle City Library, August 14-18.
• Local Science, Global Impact Lecture: Three of Perth's leading scientists will join science writer and commentator Margaret Wertheim to discuss local science in the international arena. Curtin University, August 16.
• Annual comedy debate: Scientists and comedians argue that 'Genetic scientists should leave our genes alone - I love you just the way you are!' Subiaco Arts Centre, August 17.
• The mysteries of forensic science: A hands-on presentation on how innovative science and technology is being used to help solve major crimes. Scitech, August 17.
• The Making of Me: A professional development day for women in business. Speakers include Maylands MLA Judy Edwards and Professor Fiona Stanley. The University Club, August 17.
• Science After Dark: An adults-only event that links telecentres around the State with a panel of science experts, quizzes and interactive activities. August 18.
• Stop the Toad: Scientists and environmental advocates provide an insight into the 'green plague'. Herdsman Lake Wildlife Centre, August 18.