STEAM Matters - Science
National Science Week report
National Science Week, themed around Future Earth, was enthusiastically recognised at MGSC over the week of 14 to 20 August. There were activities and events at the school and around Melbourne that our students participated in. Here are some reports on their experiences.
Louise Rieniets
Science Domain Leader
Throughout the week, Year 7-10 students competed in the Education Perfect Science Championships, hoping their class would win the ‘pizza party’ prize (well done 8G – class winners). Congratulations to Emily Taylor 10D who scored the most points for MGSC. Overall, MGSC finished second in Victoria against 220 other schools. As one of the Science Domain leaders, I organised a Kahoot challenge for the Year 7s in the JLC, with questions related to sustainability and the environment. During the entire week we promoted the ‘Keep MGSC Clean’ idea, walking around picking up rubbish and encouraging people to put their rubbish in the bin. So next time you finish lunch, do the right thing and put your rubbish in the bin! Let’s keep our school clean! And remember Science rocks!
Issy Jacques 10E
On Tuesday , Johnny and Sarah from the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health gave a presentation to interested psychology students. They spoke to us about the relationship between stress and addiction and the effects addiction has on our brain chemistry. We also were taught about phobias and the type of research done at the Florey Institute. We have been learning about these topics in our Psychology classes and it was eye opening to see that what we are learning can be applied to our real lives and futures after school.
Katrina Young 12H
On Thursday morning, ten VCE students attended a Science Breakfast at Mentone Girls’ Grammar (in partnership with the Alliance of Girls' Schools Victoria) to celebrate the achievements of women in science and meet guest speaker Dr Tania Obranovich. Holding a PhD in immunology, as well as a law degree, Tania spoke of her involvement in a recent highly public and controversial court case concerning the patenting of the breast cancer genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2. Her level of passion for such an influential issue was inspiring, and her experience of pursuing an interest in science and genetics was eye opening for everyone in attendance, particularly Year 11 and 12 Biology students. Tania placed an emphasis on the importance of the next generation of lawyers, politicians, accountants and teachers (almost all professions in fact) having a background and understanding of Science. Scientific advances, and laws and legislation surrounding these advances, will most likely directly impact everyone at some point in their lives, and it is our responsibility to understand and interpret the impacts of these decisions on our society. An enormous thank you to Ms Rieniets for organising MGSC's involvement in the breakfast. The experience was truly valuable for all students who attended and will no doubt influence our consideration of a science-based career.
Jess Ryan 11F
Dessy Turk 10E and I entered the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Big Ideas Forum for Year 10s. We submitted a short video application outlining ‘What problem would you like to see scientists solve for the future of our society?’ If ANSTO shortlist us, we will get to spend three days in Sydney with scientists and researchers who will answer our question! We are very excited and are now waiting for results. Our video is posted here: https://youtu.be/vcDUtOoEW3M. This program aims to encourage young people using STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) as they are the ones who will take our society into the future.
Katie Barnshaw 10G