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?
Around Easter each year. In 2010, the school will be run from Tuesday 6th April to Sunday 11th April.
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 five 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 five-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 Read a report
How to nominate for the program in 2010
In December 2009, the Rotary Club of Albury circulated details of the 2010 RMDSFR to all Secondary Schools in the Murray-Darling Basin. In late January 2010, 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.
Contact
Sylvia Zukowski on 02 6024 9650 or Rosie Busuttil on 02 60249690 or Email; info@mdfrc.org.au
Rotary Murray Darling School of Freshwater Research 2009 Report (296 KB)
