Stem Edge Program
Melbourne University Stem Edge Program
Taylors Lakes Secondary College was fortunate to be selected into the Melbourne University Program that introduces students to Science and Engineering at the Parkville Campus.
On Friday 31st of October, female students in year 7 and 8 from various schools had the opportunity to visit Melbourne University to indulge in science and maths.
Upon arrival we were introduced to a few experts who were experts sharing their experiences with their love of science and outlining their personal values linking them to their area in science.
Afterwards, all schools were separated from year 7’s and 8’s and into different groups for different workshops. We got to experiment in the lab testing the acidity of drinks by developing an aqueous solution mixing a blue liquid and six different drinks to change the colour to become transparent.
Then we began researching into levels of caffeine in drinks using a machine which out of the drinks we tested, the one containing the most caffeine was the tea.
Finally, students then had a maths workshop which involved making fences around shapes.
The aim was to make barriers so that if someone were to cross in a straight line, they would be unable to get out. The main goal was to use the least number of lines, observing patterns and developing a formula that would suit the problem.
Overall we were able to learn a lot from the time we had at Melbourne University and the experience was very fun and enjoyable.
Chloe 7J
The Year 8 cohort undertook the process of DNA sequencing and using forensic science in the area of criminology. Students enjoyed the experience of using luminescence to decipher the authenticity of art works. A speaker session took place where the year 8’s listened to an animal welfare specialist, Mathematician and Medical medicines researcher.
On Friday the 31st Year 7’s and 8’s were given the opportunity to do a STEM program at the university of Melbourne. They had begun with a presentation which exposed us to many knowledgeable professors and from there is where we began our 2 activities. The year 8’s had an activity which exposed us to the concept fluorescents.
After a quick explanation and a game of trivia to win chocolates and badges, we all got an art piece that used fluorescent paint. Everybody was then handed a blue light flashlight with a worksheet to compare and figure out which colours of fluorescent paint was used in the painting.
This activity then followed a lunch break where we were all provided a burrito bowl from Zambrero. To end the day, our final activity focused on forensics. We were all taught how to lift a figure print from scene, as well as how to read a certain graph to find out someone’s features and give an accurate sketch of a suspect based on the graph findings.
Overall I can say that I had learnt a lot and was happy to be a part of the excursion.
We look forward to continuing to build our strong links with Melbourne University and offering our students ongoing opportunities in learning.
For further information regarding the Taylors Lakes Secondary College Student Excellence Program, please contact Elizabeth Green, High Abilities Practice Leader.