Dozens of students from across the North Coast Education Region have tried their hand at virtual reality, prosthetics, drones, bioscience, seaweed science and more at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

The experiences were part of a recent camp to connect the Year 10 students to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), and to encourage them to consider careers in the sector.

USC School of Science and Engineering Project Officer Sue Lanham said researchers guided the students through presentations and workshops during the STEM Connect Residential Camp.

“They’ve had three days of exposure to the exciting and rewarding study of STEM subjects,” she said.

“Sessions targeted creative thinking and problem solving, digital proficiency and science communication.”

Students also learned about mental health at the Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – Thompson Institute, explored the biomechanics of a leaping grasshopper with Dr Christofer Clemente, and tried virtual reality activities at USC’s Engage Lab, among other things.

The camp was funded by a Queensland Government Advance Queensland Engaging Science Grant.