AIFST - Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology

It has been announced at the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) in Canberra, that Professor Ian Chubb would be judging a nation-wide critical thinking competition.

The National Youth Science Forum brings together high performing science students from across Australia every year, exposing them to leading scientists, laboratories and potential careers.

The critical thinking competition is a collaboration of the Department of Innovation’s Enabling Technologies Strategy, the TechNyou Science Outreach program, and the Office of the Chief Scientist. Education materials for teachers are also available.

Australians of all ages have been invited to create a 3-4 minute video presenting an argument on one of four topics.

• Considering the stated benefits and risks, should farmers be allowed to grow Genetically Modified crops?
• In order to reduce our carbon emissions, should Australia replace our coal-fired power stations with nuclear power generation?
• Geoengineering is being considered as a valid technology to slow or stop climate change, other scientists warn that the full effects of the technology is unknown. Should we be using geoengineering to stop or limit climate change?
• Nanoparticles are being used to enhance many existing products. While this happens research into the effects of nanoparticles on the human body and environment ids ongoing. Should the inclusion of nanoparticles in products be stopped until the safety of nanoparticles is assured?

The competition aims to improve the critical thinking of Australians and encourage people to delve deeper into arguments they may hear in media, from friends of family, or even politicians.

Entries close May 1, 2012 and will be judged by a panel of leading science communicators. www.chiefscientist.gov.au

Source:
http://www.chiefscientist.gov.au/2012/01/new-competition-challenges-australia-to-take-a-closer-look/