Northwest students discovered the fun in physics this week as they learned how it’s applied to everything from flight to sport, shopping, conveyor belts and haul trucks.

Around 50 Year 7 students at Cloncurry State High School vied for top honours in paper plane design. They enjoyed hands-on activities with mentors from Glencore’s Ernest Henry Mine.

It is important that students learn about the fundamentals of science to prepare them for today’s modern world said Leanne Ryder, Manager Human Resources and Training, Glencore’s North Queensland Copper Assets Australia.

“While most of us don’t consciously think of how science governs our lives, routine actions like walking, driving a car or using a phone, are physics at work,” Ms Ryder said.

“Our employees enjoy mentoring students and providing real-world perspective on how classroom physics can be applied in everyday situations.

“They will help the student’s research, design and test their paper plane designs with the aim of having them stay in the air the longest.”

Cloncurry State High School Principal Christine Norton said students’ learning is significantly enhanced by talking to and being guided by industry representatives.

“With the activities directly related to the curriculum, they can see how their lessons are applied every day in the real world, and the range of occupations open to them locally and how to step onto those career pathways,” said Ms Norton.