SCIENCE

COLONISING MARS NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK

As part of National Science Week, Footscray City College students participated in the Colonising Mars Program at The Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC). Developed and delivered by the specialist STEM centres students were faced with the scenario that a deadly virus was threatening to wipe out human life, so people were leaving Earth to colonise Mars. How would we survive?

Students took on the roles of Astrobotanist, Space Physiologist, Interplanetary Molecular Biologist, Space software developer, Aerospace Engineer and Energy Engineer to plan for human colonisation of Mars. We could only take 8 people on the first mission plus supplies. With a weight limit, students undertook a number of problem solving tasks around genetic testing, vehicle design, growing food, energy supply, fitness in space and atmospheric testing to decide who to take and what to take. They presented their findings, along with crew and supply list. 

FLOATING GARDEN BED AT NEWELL'S PADDOCK

The Sustainability Community Action group regularly undertake environmental work at the local wetlands, Newell’s Paddock. Recently excess nutrient build up has been identified as an issue in the wetland ponds. With the support of Martin Forster, Maribyrnong Park Ranger, students designed and built a floating garden bed. Modeled off floating islands found in Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, the device acts as a filter to help improve water quality and will also provide a refuge for birdlife native to the wetlands. Birds have been seen nesting on the garden and students will continue to monitor the health of water over the coming months. If the floating garden is successful students aim to build another garden bed for the other ponds. 

Thanks to Bunnings West Footscray for donating supplies to build the garden and Martin Forster for his expertise and time supporting students during the course of the project. 

YEAR 11 BIOLOGY STUDENTS INVESTIGATE THE ROLE GENETICS PLAY IN SPORTING SUCCESS AND DRUGS IN SPORT

Year 11 biology students applied their biological content knowledge and scientific investigation skills earlier this term at Biolab in Geelong. 

Students used cutting edge technologies to screen athletes to ensure maximum individual sporting success by matching genetic profiles to sports performance. They used gel electrophoresis to unlock the secrets of mystery athletes and gained a better understanding of the role our DNA plays in sporting success and injury.

In the afternoon, students took on the role of Testing Officers to screen a number of athletes for prohibited drugs. This program converted the Molecular Biology Lab into a dynamic Athlete Testing Facility taking students through the process of screening athletes for performance enhancing substances. Students were introduced to basic molecular biology, protein structure and the use of research grade equipment (Spectrophotometry) and chemistry processes. The program also introduced a number of performance enhancing substances and their effects on the human body.

Michelle Sanders - Head of Science