Students from McGuire College in Shepparton have recently participated in a pilot of the Young Rural Scientists program. The program was designed by LandLearn to give students an opportunity to engage in 'real science' and work on an Environmental Acoustics project. Working in collaboration with a Department of Primary Industries project team, the students helped solve a problem the team had identified.

The program commenced with an introductory day where students developed skills in experimental method, team role allocation, concept mapping, presentation development and project planning, followed by a brief on the Environmental Acoustics project. A tour of the DPI Tatura site followed, which involved presentations by selected staff, informing the students about their job and what it involves.

Following days included a combination of work in the office and the field. The fieldwork required students to collect data on habitat quality and record the 'soundscapes' at their sites.

The program concluded with a presentation by students on their findings and recommendations to the DPI project team, an audience of DPI staff and school representatives. Students enjoyed the hands-on aspect of the project and said that it had been engaging and worthwhile.

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