Beijing bound

28 October 2009

Young Pilbara einsteins measured, observed and sampled their way through the fourth Scitech and Rio Tinto Beijing Bound science competition.

Designed to give budding science whizzes the opportunity to work with a Rio Tinto staff member on a research project, the competition exposes Year 11 students to practical science field work, lab work and report writing.

Student projects completed over a three month period covered topics including bird surveying, the effects of caffeine related substances on hydration, iron ore sampling and separation techniques. 

On completion of the project, students presented their results to a judging panel, their peers and families.

Two research projects were selected for displaying outstanding science communication and practise, and the winning students and their mentors now head to the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition in March 2010…along with 10,000 other student scientists from around the world.

The two wining scientists, both from St Lukes College in Karratha, were Miryana Gazibaric and Vigneshwar Ravichandran are they were mentored by Tracey Marshall and Peter Balding.

Miryana’s mentor Peter Balding, a Rio Tinto metallurgist graduate, found the competition was a great opportunity for Rio Tinto employees to introduce students to the science behind the business.

“Both Miryana and I gained a perspective of what Rio Tinto produces and sends to our international customers.  We are both really looking forward to visiting China for the first time and seeing how Pilbara iron ore is processed in Chinese steel mills,” said Peter.

Scitech and Rio Tinto have worked together since 2003 to promote careers in science to young people in regional areas, through the Scitech Roadshow, Indigenous Education Program and Beijing Bound Science Competition.