Maths and science will collide with computer games and virtual reality at the new $4 million Quantum Victoria physical sciences centre in Macleod West.

 

Education Minister Martin Dixon today opened the centre and the $16.2 million Charles La Trobe P-12 College in a landmark launch for Melbourne's northern suburbs.

 

"We are celebrating two exciting projects that will have a profound impact on both the Macleod community and the rest of Victoria," Mr Dixon said.

 

"Quantum is a truly exciting centre, using computer games, virtual reality and robotics to show students what a career in maths and science can mean."

 

Students can participate in different scenarios designed to tackle an area of science, including: studying the physics at work in an iPad game of Angry Birds; taking part in an Amazing Race-style competition that touches on the key areas of the centre – science, technology, engineering and maths; or design a Formula 1 car and test it in a virtual wind tunnel.

 

Quantum is the sixth and final of the Victorian Government's specialised science education centres in Victoria, designed to engage students in science.

 

Students from all schools throughout Victoria are able to attend Quantum, and the centre will run an outreach program, enabling schools to run programs from anywhere in the state.

 

Quantum joins the Victorian Space Science Education Centre at Strathmore Secondary College, the Ecolinc Centre at Bacchus Marsh Secondary College, the Gene Technology Access Centre at University High, BioLAB at Belmont High School and Earth Education Centre at Mount Clear College in Ballarat.