Science
It is with a spirit of relief and gratitude that we return to Kilbreda in 2021. Never before in history have vaccines been developed, trialled, refined and then approved for use on humans as rapidly as at the present time. As COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out world wide in response to the global pandemic, we are hopeful of a return to some normality and are reminded of the feats that can be achieved when people unite to battle a common threat. Applying this problem solving to battle climate change is an ongoing challenge.
Amazingly, last Friday morning on 19 February, months after its launch on 30 July 2020, the 'Mars Curiosity Rover' transmitted live footage of the safe landing of the 'Perseverance Rover' on the surface of Mars. The NASA project aims to explore the astrobiology of Mars; seeking evidence of any ancient life forms, mapping the Mars climate and preparing the way for human exploration. To explore a 3D model of the Perseverance Rover, click HERE.
Below is the first high-resolution, color image to be sent back by the Hazard Cameras (Hazcams) on the underside NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover after its landing on Feb. 18, 2021.
Meet the STEM Leaders -
Part 2
As you may have read on the Digital Technologies page, we are very privileged to have four incredible STEM leaders Alex Comey, Celina Gledhill, Emily Corbitt and Grace Corbitt work with our students this year. Alex and Celina are profiled on the Digital Technologies page. Here we introduce the sensational STEM twins: Emily and Grace Corbitt!
Emily Corbitt
Portfolio: I’m the S in STEM (Science)!
STEM subjects I am studying this year: Aviation (external VET), Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics Methods
Favourite STEM moments: Obtaining my recreational pilot’s license, going to NASA Space Camp, Science Week activities at the College and participating in the Titration Stakes competition
Why I love STEM: STEM skills enhance one’s ability to innovate and having these skills is becoming more and more important for the future as “STEM careers have increased by 79% since the 1990s and are projected to continue to grow by at least 13% into 2027.” Also, women are under-represented in STEM and that should not be the case in our world.
My Goal for this Leadership role: As STEM Leader I would love to encourage a greater number of younger students to get involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. I will endeavour to change the perception of females in STEM and instead display them in a more positive light. I will promote female role models in STEM areas and display or advertise different opportunities available in STEM so that students at our College can get involved.
A huge congratulations must be given to Emily, who successfully attained her Recreational Pilot's License (RPL) through the Royal Victorian Aero Club at Moorabbin Airport last December. This year, Emily will continue with her flying lessons to obtain her Private Pilot’s License. Emily will again complete this as a VET subject with the support of Kilbreda. Emily aspires to become a Commercial Pilot after completing the relevant studies at university. In the past, our College has had a number of students aspiring to be pilots, but to have a student actually achieve this milestone, given the number of hours of training required whilst still a student, is amazing. So when you next hear the hum of an engine in the skies, look up for Emily!
Grace Corbitt
Portfolio: I’m the M in STEM (Maths)!
STEM subjects I am studying this year:
Physics, Mathematics Methods, Biology, Chemistry
Favourite STEM moments:
I participated in NASA Space Camp, a trip to America that focused on Science, Mathematics and Technology skills in an interactive and exciting way.
Why I love STEM:
STEM is an important area for the future. It gives us an understanding of the world and universe around us. Through understanding and development, STEM subjects enhance our way of life and augment curiosity.
My goal for this leadership role:
I hope to determine the significant differences between the Science, Mathematics and Technology subject electives/learning areas to enhance each student’s ability to interpret and select their favourite. Through this, I hope that more girls will undertake STEM based subjects in their senior schooling. Many choose one that they then drop, and an easy subject is often picked up, instead of choosing one that they know that they will enjoy.
I hope to instil in girls that STEM subjects are not too hard to accomplish (the way that they are sometimes depicted) but rather within reach for each of them. This is most evident in my favourite subject, Physics, in which there is a consistently low percentage of girls that choose the subject. I want to eliminate the poor and negative misconceptions of the difficulty of each STEM subject and paint them in an increasingly positive light. One in which they take work, but in which girls can feel confident in their own ability to achieve success. I want girls to know that Science, Mathematics and Technology electives are not unattainable for them!
Jacinta Devlin
Learning Leader:
Science