Background
The main purpose of the Rotary Murray-Darling School of Freshwater Research (RMDSFR) is to enable students who live in and around the Murray-Darling Basin to experience activities that are inherent in the fields of freshwater research, conservation and the environment. The School has attracted students from secondary schools in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT. Approximately 530 students have participated in the School since 1996.
Who is eligible?
Year 11 students
When is it on?
Sunday 14th April - Friday 19th April 2013. Check us out on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/RMDSFR
Where is it held?
MDFRC Wodonga and Wonga Wetlands with students staying at the The Scots School Albury.
How does it work?
The students work in teams for six days. One of the aims of the School is to introduce students to the process of scientific investigation and the role that research plays in living in a sustainable environment. By combining problem solving activities with intensive support and advice from staff from the three institutions, MDFRC, La Trobe University and Charles Sturt University, the students gain a realistic and fun introduction to freshwater ecology, conservation and the environment.
Students, working with staff and mentors will undergo field trips, lectures and demonstrations at a number of locations. Participants will work at the outdoor research site of the MDFRC, at Wonga Wetlands, near the River Murray, which is operated by Albury City, as well as visiting the Norske Skog Albury paper mill which utilises up to 55% recycled fibre and recycles around 160,000 tonnes of old newspapers and magazines each year.
The concluding highlight of the six-day RMDSFR is the presentation of their findings by each group to a meeting of scientists and Rotarians, further enhancing the students' communication and teamwork skills. The participants also complete the RMDSFR with a greater understanding of the role of scientists, their methods and the place of scientific research in Australian society.
Read a case study
How to nominate for the program in 2013
In December 2012, the Rotary Club of Albury will circulate details of the 2013 RMDSFR to all Secondary Schools in the Murray-Darling Basin. In late January 2013, schools must nominate year 11 students through their local Rotary Club who will confirm this nomination and arrange sponsorship. The forms are forwarded via fax to The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre (02 6059 7531) or posted to the MDFRC, PO Box 991, Wodonga VIC 3689 where the acceptance process (which may or may not involve an interview) takes place. The successful participants will be informed by phone and letter approximately three weeks before the commencement of the School. Applications close on Monday 18th March 2013, unless arrangements are made otherwise with organisers.Contact
Rochelle Petrie on 02 6024 9650 or Rosie Busuttil on 02 60249690 or Email; rmdsfr@mdfrc.org.au
Careers Advisor Fact Sheet (466 KB)
Student Application Form (53 KB)
