Click here for photos from the Taroom SS workshop

Classroom learning has flowed from textbooks into the real world for Roma and Taroom students this month with a series of workshops delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) in partnership with Senex Energy.

Year 7 students at Roma State College and St John’s School took part in the Water4All workshops, learning how the gas industry recycles and repurposes water.

During the workshop students conducted experiments to test water filtration, pH levels and turbidity and built a model water treatment plant.

They also discovered more about the people behind the science, from geologists to engineers.

St John’s School Principal, Mark Watson said industry workshops brought science lessons off the page and into practice.

“This is learning with a purpose,” Mr Watson said.

“Having industry professionals from Senex provide their expertise at the workshop helps the students understand how science skills are used in real jobs, particularly in the process of water quality management.”

The Roma workshops have been followed with two further workshops at Taroom State School focused on physics and geology.

Students in Years 7-8 completed the Pulleys for Productivity workshop, investigating and modelling how pulleys help to move heavy loads on a work site.

Geology was the focus for the Years 9 – 10 students, who investigated the rock cycle and how rocks evolve over time. The Taroom students were joined by Kim Owen, a geologist from Senex, who shared her industry knowledge and career story.

Senex Energy Community Relations Manager Trevor Robertson said working with local schools was a great chance to support the students and give them deeper knowledge about the gas industry and the exciting careers available

“Geology and water management play an essential part in our operations,” Mr Robertson said.

“There are many career pathways in the exploration, environmental management and production of gas.” he said.

“Gas will be required for decades to come, providing well-paid and rewarding jobs in rural and regional areas.”

“If we spark an interest in STEM and a career in the energy sector, that’s good for the students, the resources industry generally and Senex as a local gas producer,” he said.