Young Science Super Heroes Hone their Super Powers with Dr Karl on World Environment Day

Organised by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, the event showcased the power of science through hands-on activities and presentations by guest speakers. The highlight of the day was a live online session where students had the chance to ask Dr Karl Kruszelnicki their burning science questions.

Feedback about the Science is my Superpower event was overwhelmingly positive.

“Dr Karl was very funny and generous,” said Waikerie Primary School Student Sienna. “I am interested in his research on linen, fabrics and belly button fluff,” she added.

For fellow Waikerie Primary School student Jack, having the chance to interact with Dr Karl was an opportunity to witness a living legend.

“Dr Karl is so wise and really kind. He is like the Einstein of our generation”.

Even teacher Jeany Winter admitted that she was a Dr Karl “fan girl”.

“I was mesmerised at [Dr Karl’s] attention to detail in answering students’ questions, his caring demeanour and his unfaltering brilliant sense of humour which my students related to so well,” said the Waikerie Primary School Teacher.

“Dr Karl, coupled with the amazing inspiration of Ben Francischelli the palaeontologist was such a wonderful experience”.

Mr Francischelli – a vertebrate palaeontologist from Melbourne - talked to the groups about his research into the world’s biggest predatory dinosaurs. The palaeontologist’s finds include some of the most significant examples of Australia’s dinosaurs including the megalodon – an extinct species of shark.

Science is my Superpower was organised by the landscape board in recognition of World Environment Day, a global annual event hosted by the United Nations. This year’s theme Generation Restoration focussed on the role that the next generation can play to help improve the conditions of the world’s landscapes.

“Our Young Environmental Leaders Program (YEL) is the perfect way to involve and inspire our next generation of conservationists,” said Education Project Officer, Cindy Kakoschke.

“By giving our YEL students the opportunity to hear from scientists and getting them out to explore and experience their local environment, we impart a sense of belonging and a love for their local landscapes”.

“If they learn to love what's around them - they'll take care of it now and later in life”.

This project is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board through funding from the landscape levies.