Science

@ MSC

In2Science eMentoring Program:

For students who enjoy Science and/or would like to explore the possibilities in studying Science, there is an excellent opportunity in the In2Science eMentoring Program.

This is a 10 week program that involves students at Maffra SC regularly connecting (via a video conference link) with a University student studying Science or Maths. The program has been running at Maffra SC for over 5 years, and many students have benefitted by gaining insights into what studying science at university is like; by discussing their science interests and/or schoolwork; by learning study tips and by improving their communication skills.

We have had students connect with university students studying in a variety of STEM fields, including: Forensic Science, Psychology, Environmental science, Biomedicine, Neurobiology, Engineering, Robotics and Coding, Physics, Vet Science, Health Science and Genetics.

Expressions of interest are being sought from students who would like to participate in the program in Semester 2 for 2021. Please contact Kristen Raine or email kristen.raine@education.vic.gov.au

What’ll Happen to the Wattle?” Update

Last Year Maffra Secondary College was successful in our application to be included in the “What’ll happen to the wattle” program, a collaborative Science Research Project in association with NASA, the Australian Space Agency and their Japanese counterparts. While we wait for our Space Wattle Seeds to arrive from the International Space Station, we have been privileged to participate in exclusive webinars and information sessions from leading researchers working with NASA.

Earlier in the Term, students listened to a presentation by Todd Barber, a lead propulsion engineer for NASA. Tod explained the details and scientific importance of NASA’s current Mars missions, including showing footage from the rover “Perseverance” and schematics of the helicopter “Ingenuity”. Our volunteer audience had the opportunity to ask any questions they wanted, ranging from NASA’s relationship with Space-X, career pathways and designing the Rover.

On Wednesday 19th May, students heard from from Sasha Samochina, an award-winning creative technologist who is currently working with the team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Sasha spoke about how she has developed software using Cross Reality (XR) which is a combination of augmented and virtual reality, and this software is used to help scientists, engineers, and astronauts visualise space in a 360 view.  

On June 10th there will be a third talk from Ed Van Cise who is the lead flight director of the Gateway (outpost orbiting the Moon) and one of four Boeing Starliner Flight Directors. Students that are interested in attending this talk need to speak to their Science teacher or Mrs Raine.

The Wattle Seeds from Space will be arriving in Term 3 and students will have the opportunity to help monitor and record data from the seeds as they germinate and grow. Any students in Years 7-12 who are interested in being involved can speak to their Science teacher or Mrs Raine.

Kristen Raine

Science Team Leader