Science and Engineering News

What’s Happening in Science?

From Jordan Pratt (Year 11 UQ Science Ambassador)

NASA: LOOKS TO LEAVE THE SOLAR SYSTEM, AGAIN?

There are many misconceptions about space, such as: Is it real? How much have we explored? Are there other humans like us? For many students at the college, space is an interesting topic as it is relevant to everyone. The real answer is currently we don't have the resources or the capability of fully exploring space.

This week, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has contemplated the feasibility of an interstellar probe. The proposed mission aims to travel beyond the heliosphere which was only ever done by the Voyagers. However, they weren't designed to assess the heliosphere.

The primary objective of the proposed probe is to study the heliosphere, capturing images of its structure and observing its interactions with the interstellar medium. This could offer insights into the dynamics between the solar wind and the interstellar medium, leading to a better understanding of the overall shape and composition of the heliosphere.

Although this doesn't necessarily mean that we can go to another planet and potentially find a species similar to our own, it is a step in the right direction for space exploration. Space is a topic studied at Marist College from grades 5 - 12 and hopefully with light being shed on space exploration many students may wish to pursue a career in space exploration.

SCIENCE FACT OF THE WEEK:

Now bringing it back to Earth. For many years, scientists believed Africa was the origin for ape evolution. However, recent fossil discoveries in Europe challenge this assumption with a 13-million-year-old ape jawbone unearthed in Greece, showcasing features similar to our early ape ancestors. But what does this mean? Well, this has caused researchers to re-evaluate the origins from our primate lineage, and its evolutionary timeline.

Both of these discoveries revolutionise their fields and bring new ways of thinking to different scientists across the globe. In the future, we should see sizable changes being brought about from these discoveries, benefiting all of human kind.

Science and Engineering Opportunities

From Ms Wendy Macdonald

Lots of opportunities to experience Science and Engineering events are coming up for students from Years 8 to 12 (see the following links for further information and how to apply).

QIMR (Queensland institute of medical research)

Holiday Science experience for Year 10 – 12. Free to attend. Register soon. To apply, click the following link: Holiday Science Experience – QIMR Berghofer

International Science School

Year 11 and 12. Click the following link for more information:  International Science School – Faculty of Science (sydney.edu.au)

Queensland Biology Winter School

Year 11 and 12. Click the following link for more information:

Queensland Biology Winter School, Year 12 – Study – The University of Queensland (uq.edu.au) or Queensland Biology Winter School, Year 11 – Study – The University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

Experience UQ Skills

Years 9 – 12. Click the following link for more information: Experience UQ Skills – UQ Skills – University of Queensland

Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and Technology (FEAST)

Years 11 and 12. Click the following link for more information:  FEAST – Faculty of Science – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

Engineering Link Project

Years 10 , 11 and 12. Click the following link for more information: The Engineering Link Group – Engineering Link Project (telg.com.au)

QUT’s Future You Summit

Years 11 and 12. Click the following link for more information: QUT – Future You Summit

The Science Experience

Years 9 and 10. Held at UQ or QUT. Click the following link for more information: The Science Experience

The NYSF National Youth Science Forum

Year 11. Click the following link for more information: National Youth Science Forum – Inspiring Australia’s Young Scientists (nysf.edu.au)