Research Project - 8AP 

The Year 8 students of the accelerated program undertook a research project in science that began in term one and concluded with a poster session in week 10. During the poster session, the students had the opportunity to present their findings to the wider UHS teacher community, who were thrilled to be able to celebrate the achievements of these young people. 

Having spent considerable time researching topics of their own choosing, these students were now experts in their fields. There were a wide variety of topics covered, as they were not constrained to science-centered topics, only the scientific method. Some of research questions investigated were:

• Do adolescents aged 13-17 who own a dog have less anxiety than those who do not? 
• What are the physical and social benefits of geocaching?
• What is the most commercially-viable method of hydrogen torage for aircraft?
• What are the effects of digital pianos when compared with acoustic pianos on learning outcomes and skill development?

Perhaps we shall see some of these projects continued in research facilities such as WEHI or The Florey Institute as these students continue their studies in their chosen fields in the future. Be sure to keep your eye out for them.

Elissa Mertens