Top of page
Global Site Navigation

School of Science

Local Section Navigation
You are here: Main Content

LabRats for Schools

LabRats is an annual event which provides an opportunity for Year 9 and 10 students and their teachers to visit the ECU campus and enjoy a typical day as an ECU university science and math student.  Students will participate in several hands-on science workshops, hear from our current students and researchers about the amazing science that is being taught and researched at ECU, as well as some fun social activities to orientate them to and around the campus.

How it works

We want you to explore the many options open to you if you decide to study a science or mathematics discipline at university, so therefore we ask you to come with an open mind and sample a range of science workshops during your visit to our campus. During the workshops, you will meet our current students and researchers and hear about their first-hand experiences of what is it to be a student at ECU and their aspirations for a career in science.  A LabRats day could include:

  • 08.45-09.00   Registration
    09.00-09.45   Welcome and Amazing Campus Race
  • 10.00-11-00   Workshop 1 – Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Physics)
  • 11.15-12.15   Workshop 2 – Natural Science (Environmental Science / Biological Sciences / Marine & Freshwater Biology / Horticulture)
  • 12.15-13.10   Lunch
  • 13.15-14.15   Workshop 3 – Math and Data Science
    14.25-14.55   Pathways to University and Student Life presentation
  • 14.55-15.00   Wrap up and Farewell

When is it run?

Our 2023 workshops will be held the week of 21-23rd June and 1-3 November, and are open to any student currently in high school Years 9 and 10. The 23rd June will be run in conjunction with Kurongkurl Katitjin for Indigenous students interested in science.

How much does it cost?

LabRats is a free event.  We just ask you to bring along your own lunch and snacks, an open mind and willingness to give everyone a go.

How do I register?

We would like to offer as many students the chance to attend, so we ask that you choose one event and select one class (32 max).

Are there a maximum number of young people ECU can accommodate for LabRats?

Most ECU Science activities can comfortably accommodate a maximum of 22 young people. ECU would like to provide the opportunity to a variety of schools to attend LabRats. With this in mind, the registration of multiple school groups will be done by special request, and usually only if ECU is unable to fill the allocated spaces. Please get in touch if you’d like to bring a class of more than 22 students.

Are there bus subsidies available?

There are currently no bus subsidies available. If this is a barrier to your participation, please contact us and we can collaborate with you on a solution.

Contact us

For more information, please contact Cass Rowles, Science Outreach and Engagement Coordinator c.rowles@ecu.edu.au or by phone: (08) 6304 2467.

Skip to top of page