SCIENCE

YEAR 10 BIOLOGY EXCURSION TO PETER MACCALLUM CANCER CENTRE

Our Year 10 Biology classes were privileged to have attended the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre on Tuesday 23 October. Our journey into town started with a train ride from McKinnon train station to Melbourne Central and then a claustrophobic tram ride to the Cancer Centre.

As soon as we arrived, we were ushered into a Lecture Theatre where we were lectured to on a range of topics by three senior cancer biologists on cures for cancers and the scientist's journey.

From there, we were divided into groups to tour the building and laboratories. My group was lucky enough to visit a lab used for testing gastric and liver cancers. They do this using zebra fish, as they contain approximately 70% of the same genes as humans do when it comes to diseases. Our tour guide showed us other labs too where specific protection such as goggles, lab coats and gloves had to be worn. Protective equipment was necessary because touching anything in those labs could potentially give you cancer.

To conclude our trip, we were called back to the theatre to watch a short video on how the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has impacted and changed lives. After this fascinating and enjoyable excursion, we endured another stuffy tram and train ride back to school, in time to commence Periods five and six.

Isobel Stein-Fooks

Year 10 Student