As part of the Smart State initiative, the CSIRO is running a “Science on Saturday” program at the Goondiwindi State High School (GSHS) for children aged between seven and 14 years.

Presenter of the workshops, Sarah Houston, is the laboratory manager at Nutrilab and believes that science can be a lot fun.

“Many younger children haven’t had much opportunity to do hands-on science experiments in the classroom, so when they come to these workshops they really enjoy themselves.

“The program will run over a period of five weeks and will include rocket explosions; microscopes, finger printing and identity analysis which is a bit like a ‘who dunnit” investigation.

“If the children are under 10, they must be accompanied by an adult. And the adults that come have as much fun as the kids,” Sarah said.

The program starts this Saturday, October 31 at the high school with sessions starting at 10 a.m. and finishing at 11.30a.m.

Bookings can be made through CSIRO education online http://www.csiro.au/events/Scienc eOnSaturday.html or by calling 1300 302 649.

The cost is $6 if pre-paid before the session or $9 if paying on the day. At the end of week four participants will be given a show-bag with a booklet containing experiments that children can safely do at home.