Science lessons take off in the bush
27 July 2009
Well-travelled ... Flying Scientist Phill Higgins with his wife, Suzanne, at Longreach School of Distance Education.
Fun fly-by lessons in science are teaching some of Queensland's most geographically isolated students the joys and importance of science.
Students scattered around Central West Queensland were recently visited by the Flying Scientist who travels by plane around Australia delivering hands-on lessons to children in rural and remote areas.
Phill Higgins, a retired scientist and university lecturer, said he took to the air as the Flying Scientist as a way to share his knowledge and enjoyment of science with young people.
Longreach School of Distance Education principal Robyn Conlin said Mr Higgins first visited students in the region in 2002.
'Phill and his wife Suzanne, who is also a teacher, returned this year to visit old friends but also met new friends,' Ms Conlin said.
'They are volunteers who believe Outback students should have as much access to specialist teachers as possible.'
Ms Conlin said during this visit between June and July the pair travelled more than 11,000km and landed at 12 stations.
The Flying Scientist program, which is supported by Australia Post, has been running for nine years.
The hands-on science activities are designed for multi-age students and are aligned with the curriculum.
For more information, visit Australia Post's education site
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