Innovation and imagination have collided as children flocked to the University of Wollongong for the region’s biggest Science Fair.

Primary and secondary schools as far away as Narromine in the State’s west to Broulee on the far South Coast as well as schools from the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Sydney and Campbelltown registered a record number of 342 entries for the Illawarra Coal Regional Science Fair this year.

Today’s (Wednesday 2 November) event attracted 530 students from 46 schools, all clamoring to present the findings of their own open-ended scientific investigations to expert judges.

Dean of Science Professor Will Price said visiting judges represented the diverse career opportunities in the field of science – hailing from industry, schools, research organisations, education departments, media organisations, and the University of Wollongong.

“The Science Fair aims to collaborate with teachers about the way science is taught in schools, inspire students to continue science study and consider careers in science,” Professor Price said.

“We are very grateful to all our judges who volunteer their time to encourage and inspire young scientists of the future.”

During the lead up to the Science Fair a team of Science Mentors, enthusiastic science students from UOW, visited schools to inspire students and provide practical advice on completing research projects to students and teachers.

“The tremendous interest from the schools, parents and the community has made the event a major success. Our team has done an outstanding job in growing the event to become one of the largest science community engagement activities in the region and nationally,” Professor Price said.

Professor Price thanked Illawarra Coal for providing ongoing sponsorship of the Science Fair since its inception.

Illawarra Coal Head of External Affairs John Brannon said the company was happy to continue its involvement with the Science Fair.

“Illawarra Coal is proud to again support the Illawarra Coal Regional Science Fair and give our local primary and high school students the opportunity to explore the exciting world of science, which is an important field central to a variety of industries including our own,” Mr Brannon said.

Some of this year’s student investigations included: The Mystery of Belly Button Lint, The Viscosity of flour and water, Do colours absorb heat differently?, and Does pasta make you faster?