• Free school holiday program points to STEM career paths
• 'Scitech does gas' program highlights energy's role in State's future

A Scitech school holiday program teaching children about science and energy has opened today, coinciding with the 18th International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas being held this week in Perth.
 
Touring the Forrest Place event with Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi today, State Development Minister Bill Marmion encouraged families to take part and learn the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.
 
"As an engineer, I'm pleased at the inspirational nature of 'Scitech does gas' program and I am sure it will attract broad interest," Mr Marmion said.
 
"The focus is on fun and interaction, helping children experiment with simple scientific processes that highlight how the gas we take for granted gets into our homes.
 
"I hope this mix of entertainment and science will help bolster the next generation of young engineers and researchers, who will play a vital role in our State's economic future."
 
The interactive exhibit has been created by Scitech, with the support of the State Government and the City of Perth, and is part of the city's program of school holiday events.
 
Activities include a science challenge, LNG show and a pipeline challenge where participants take on the role of engineers.
 
"Activities like this are important for our technology future as it is estimated that more than 70 per cent of WA's future jobs will require STEM skills," the Minister said.
 
The Scitech program coincides with LNG 18, the largest industry conference ever to be held in WA, with more than 5,000 people taking part this week.


Fact File

• 'Scitech does gas' program runs from April 11-17 between 10am-3pm in Forrest Place
• LNG 18 is the latest event in the triennial LNG X conference and exhibition series
• WA's LNG production is set to more than double to nearly 50 million tonnes per annum by 2018