SCIENCES
GTAC Medical Research Day excursion
GTAC Medical Research Day excursion
A group of Year 10 students had the opportunity to participate in an excursion to GTAC in Parkville. Students learnt about the field of Medical Research and the infectious disease, Toxoplasmosis. Students spent time completing two hands-on workshops where they practiced using laboratory equipment and techniques whilst learning further about the life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii. They then put this information to use in a case study in which they had to determine which individuals were infected with Toxoplasmosis.
At the end of the day, the students toured the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and walked through a wet lab where scientists are completing research on different kinds of lung cancer.
Overall, the group had a great interactive day learning about the many different aspects of medical research.
Reflection by Hannah Black:
On the medical research day excursion we were lucky enough to experience three amazing elements of this program including a presentation from a PhD student, carrying out a series of experiments and receiving a tour of the Walter and Elizabeth Hall Institute of Medical Research. Through this we were able to gain insight into the processes of undertaking medical research and the impact it is able to have on the community. We also completed experiments regarding the results of some of the PHD students research which was my highlight of the day. By touring the labs in which the researchers perform experiments we saw the equipment and resources that they use to develop new forms of medical treatment. Overall this was a very interesting experience and has grown my knowledge and interest in this field.
STEM News - Year 7 STEM class excursion to Quantum Victoria
On June the 4th the Year 7 STEM class visited Quantum Victoria and participated in the Lego Robotic program.
Students exercised problem-solving and team-working skills whilst designing, building and programming Lego robots. The robots then performed specific tasks using motors and sensors.
STEM News - Year 9 STEM class excursion to Quantum Victoria
On June the 11th the Year 9 STEM class visited Quantum Victoria and participated in the 3D Modelling and Printing program. They used CAD software to design a headphones dispenser and then realise their designs by printing them out on a 3D printer. 3D printers are fast becoming a widely used manufacturing device which has revolutionised the manufacturing industry. The 3D printers used in this program build objects layer by layer using biodegradable plastics.
Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WISE) Program - continued
"The Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship program that is run by Monash University brought together year 10 students across the state to compete against each other for a chance to travel to Silicon Valley in Los Angeles. The day program introduced the many teams to entrepreneurs that spoke about their journey’s and future hopes for their companies. A team that consisted of Adele Cadman, Elizabeth Lim, Hannah Black and myself (Kiyara Abeyarathna) were pushed to design and innovate to solve a problem. With assistance from Monash University students and entrepreneurs we got an insight into the world of business. Our team created and developed an idea throughout the day to finally deliver a 3-minute pitch that displayed a programmed a Micro-bit that overcame the problem of personal commute time. Overall the program was insightful and provided knowledge of STEM and entrepreneurship that will be useful to our team in the hopeful future."
