- Lynwood SHS students get 'hands on' to help unlock forensic science mysteries
- Citizen science project helps develop ChemCentre's Australian-first fibre database
- McGowan Government committed to improving STEM education in schools for jobs of the future
Lynwood Senior High School students today gained a unique, first-hand experience of what life is like as a forensic scientist.
As part of a citizen science project led by ChemCentre, the students have been collecting fibres throughout the year for a ChemCentre custom-built database and search program, the first of its kind in Australia, and one of only two in the world.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Science Chris Tallentire joined the students, at ChemCentre's forensic science laboratory, who got to process some of the collected fibres into the database under scientist supervision.
ChemCentre experts have been working with students to introduce them to forensic science, and instruct them on how to collect the fibres and the use of stereo microscopes.
Currently the fibres database holds more than 20,000 fibres, including fabric and carpet.
The fibres database is an important tool to assist in analysing evidence for criminal investigations.
Comments attributed to Science Minister Dave Kelly:
"These students are helping Western Australia lead the charge in forensic science with their contribution to this Australian-first fibre database.
"The project highlights the importance of STEM subjects in education and training, and the diverse career opportunities available in science to students in the future.
"The State Government is committed to improving school STEM education in WA.
"That is why we established a STEM Advisory Panel to map a State STEM strategy and invested $17 million to roll-out science programs in up to 200 WA public primary schools."
Comments attributed to Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Science Chris Tallentire MLA:
"This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to get a first-hand understanding of the world of forensic science.
"It is great to see the State's leading chemical and forensic science provider promoting chemistry-based education and training in WA.
"In the last year, ChemCentre's school and outreach program has engaged with more than 3,000 students, as well as supporting tertiary science education through scholarships, guest lecturing and postgraduate student supervision."
Minister's office - 6552 6100
