Tom Price set to look to the stars

Tom Price Senior High School will join a national celebration of science in August after securing an $8000 Federal grant to hold the 2015 Red Earth Night Sky Astro Fair in August.

National Science Week is Australia's annual celebration of science and technology, which aims to encourage an interest in science.

As part of this year's celebrations, the community of Tom Price and surrounding areas will be invited to view the Pilbara night sky under the guidance of experts and amateur astronomers.

As well as optical and radio telescopes observing the sky, the Astro Fair will feature myriad exciting activities for the community over four days, leading into the main event on the final night.

Tom Price Senior High School principal Trevor Henderson congratulated science teachers Kathleen Farmer and Grant Lockwood on their initiative and success in being awarded the Commonwealth grant to run the highly anticipated event.

"Through this grant, students at Tom Price Senior High School and the community at large will have the opportunity to engage with scientists and astronomy equipment, including telescopes that are not readily available to students in metropolitan and larger regional secondary schools," he said.

"We aim to encourage young people to continue science studies beyond the compulsory years of schooling and to pursue science-based careers as well as demonstrate the links between science subjects and science-based careers, all of which are Science Week priorities."

"We wish to engage a lasting interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills that will be crucial to many industries as Australia's economy evolves and expands."

Mr Henderson said the Astro Fair would also explore the astronomical knowledge and traditions of indigenous Australians looking at cultural astronomy.

Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price congratulated Tom Price Senior High School on successfully creating a project proposal that showcased the best in Australian science and community engagement.

"Science, technology, engineering and maths touch our lives daily in ways we instantly recognise and in ways that can go unnoticed, and we should really rejoice in the sciences just as we do the arts," she said.

"Science brings great economic benefits and opportunity and that's definitely worth celebrating."

Member for North West Central Vince Catania said the Red Earth Night Sky Astro Fair would be an interesting and engaging event which the whole community could enjoy.

"The use of optical and radio telescopes observing the skies throughout the day and night will be a sight to behold," he said.

"This, combined with myriad indoor and outdoor activities, makes for an exciting week in Tom Price."

National Science Week is Australia's largest festival, with more than 1000 events and 1.5 million attendees expected to take part from August 15-23.

For more information about National Science Week, visit [www.scienceweek.net.au|www.scienceweek.net.au].