Science and Engineering News

UQ Science Ambassador

Ben Hartfiel (Year 11 UQ Science Ambassador) and Ms Macdonald (Curriculum Leader – Science and Engineering)

Welcome back to the UQ Science Ambassador section of the newsletter! While the end of the year may be fast approaching many exciting things have still been happening, both in the MCA Science Centre and in the wider world. Last week the Science Centre hosted a slime-based experiment for Year 5 – 7 students. The Year 10 General Science classes visited UQ Gatton on an excursion. We also recently saw a significant advancement in Australian virology, with a coalition of both Universities and Non-Profits developing an online tool to help track and estimate the effects of ‘Long COVID’ on the population. 

On Wednesday last week the science labs were opened during Break 1 to welcome a number of Primary and Year 7 students. It was an action-packed lunch session which involved students creating their own slime. By using a mixture of two different solutions the students were able to create their own bags of colourful slime. Ms Macdonald says that if there are any bags of slime still in fridges at home, please throw them out!  

In wider science news a new development has been made locally in virology. Through the efforts of researchers from universities, such as the University of Queensland, Flinders University, Queensland University of Technology, and the University of Sydney, as well as the efforts of Non-Profit the Immunisation Coalition, an advancement has been made in tracking the long-term effects of COVID-19. Since the initial spread of COVID in 2020 many people have reported that some symptoms are taking up to 6 months to resolve, known to experts as ‘post-acute sequelae of COVID-19’, or more commonly as ‘Long COVID’. By taking into account factors such as age, sex, existing medical conditions and rate of vaccination the online risk assessment can determine the probability of a person in catching Long COVID symptoms, and their risk of having serious complications because of COVID. You can see the results of this study at https://corical.immunisationcoalition.org.au/longcovid.

Another event last week (Friday) was the Year 10 General Science excursion to UQ Gatton. This was a great opportunity for students to learn some important skills relevant to agriculture (the unit they are currently studying this term) and rural practices. They participated in several workshops such as First Aid (e.g. treating snake bites), small machines, advancement in technologies and a dairy farm tour. 

Upcoming Science and Engineering Opportunities

Research Immersion Program at the Translational Research Institute

Year 10, 11 and 12 Students

Working in a team on a real biomedical research project, you will use the latest technology to examine, test and analyse your results, then discuss your findings with world renowned researchers based at the TRI. Parents are invited to attend the final day presentation delivered by students in the program, followed by light refreshments and opportunity for question time with the lead researcher and SPARQ-ed staff. Students also have an opportunity to apply for a Bonus ATAR adjustment factor for entry into relevant courses at The University of Queensland.

Group 1: Registrations opening date 18 November 2024

• Session 1:  31 March – 04 April 2025
• Session 2:  07 – 11 April 2025

Group 2: Registrations opening date TBC

• Session 3:  23 – 27 June 2025
• Session 4:  30 June – 04 July 2025

Group 3: Registrations opening date TBC

• Session 5: 15 - 19 September 2025
• Session 6: 22 – 26  September 2025

Junior Research Engagement Program  

Year 8 and 9 Students

This immersive program is open to students across Queensland with an interest in STEM who are considering their future subject choices. You will gain experience using the latest technology and techniques in our state-of-the-art PC2 biomedical research laboratory, while learning valuable collaboration skills with peers in a real research environment. Parents are invited to the final day presentation delivered by students, followed by question time with SPARQ-ed staff.

Separate opening dates apply for each group session:

Group 3: Registrations open 14 October 2024

• Session 5: 2 - 3 December 2024
• Session 6: 5 - 6 December 2024

 Group 1: Registrations opening date 18 November 2024

• Session 1: 17-18 February 2025
• Session 2: 20-21 February 2025

Group 2: Registrations opening date TBC 

• Session 3: 29-30 May 2025 
• Session 4: 18-19 August 2025

Group 3: Registrations opening date TBC

• Session 5: 01-02 December 2025
• Session 6: 04-05 December 2025

See Biomedical Education for School students | Translational Research Institute for more details and how to apply. You are also welcome.