URGENT UPDATE: Young visitors to the Perth Royal Show are invited to step into the shoes of a scientist from September 27 to October 4 at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) display. This interactive experience allows children to follow the journey of food from the paddock to their plates, making science engaging and fun!
The Paddock to Plate display, located in the Centenary Pavilion near Gate 10, features a series of hands-on activities designed to educate and inspire the next generation of young scientists. Participants can don laboratory coats and glasses, peering through real microscopes to examine specialized grasses cultivated for sheep feed. This initiative is part of DPIRD’s groundbreaking FEED365 program, which ensures farmers can grow healthy greenery for livestock year-round.
Additionally, the exhibit will showcase the science behind soil improvement for grain crops. A fun ‘lift the flap’ game will help children match various grains to everyday foods, making learning interactive and memorable.
At the apple station, young scientists will engage their senses—sight, sound, and smell—to provide feedback on fruit samples, mirroring DPIRD’s sensory testing methods used to develop new apple varieties. Completing the trail will earn children a special stamp and a photo opportunity, proudly wearing their lab coats and glasses.
Cec McConnell, Deputy Director General of DPIRD, emphasized the importance of this display, stating,
“Science is integral to how we grow and supply our food, from helping to create healthy soils that grow healthy food through to packaging innovations as food reaches the supermarket shelves.”
McConnell urges both young and older attendees to explore the DPIRD display to gain insight into the vital science and research supporting local farmers. “DPIRD scientists work with farmers and across the supply chain to get good nutritious food from the paddock to the plate, while looking after our environment,” she added.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to inspire curiosity in science and agriculture at the Perth Royal Show! The countdown is on—visit the DPIRD display and discover how science shapes our food systems today!
