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  • Mater Dei College students and teacher conducting a science experiment..

    Mater Dei College students and teacher conducting a science experiment, part of LabRats.

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LabRats for Schools

LabRats is an excursion which provides an opportunity for Year 9 and 10 students and their teachers to visit the ECU Joondalup campus and enjoy a typical day as an ECU university 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 will usually include:

  • 09:15-09:30  Registration
  • 09:30-10:00  Welcome and Amazing Campus Race
  • 10:10-11:00  Workshop 1
  • 11:10-12:00  Workshop 2
  • 12:15-12:45  Lunch
  • 12:55-13:45  Workshop 3
  • 13:55-14:15  Pathways to University and Student Life presentation
  • 14:15-14:30  Wrap up and Farewell

The workshops

We have a variety of workshops on offer, including Horticulture, Chemistry, Physics, Conservation Biology, Marine & Freshwater Science, Mathematics, and Cyber Security. Please let us know if you have a preference when booking for your Year 9s, and choose an appropriate themed day for your Year 10s.

When is it run?

LabRats runs for multiple schools per day. In 2026, the LabRats excursions will be themed and in year groups:

  • 23 and 24 June - Environmental Sciences - for Year 10s only
  • 25 and 26 June - Chemistry, math, and data science - for Year 10s only
  • 25-27 Nov - theme TBC - for Year 9s only

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?

Contact Cass to express your interest.

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

Most ECU Science activities can comfortably accommodate a maximum of 24 young people. We ask that each school select a maximum of 24 students from their cohorts that are considering a science career aligned with the LabRats theme. If there are places still available closer to the event date, we will offer each existing booking with a chance to bring more 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.

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