From the Science Department

Year 11 Excursion to ANSTO

Last Wednesday, the 5th of March, the Year 11 chemistry and physics students embarked on an exciting excursion to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) in Lucas Heights. The visit provided an incredible opportunity for us to witness firsthand the applications of chemistry and physics beyond the classroom.

During the day, we participated in guided tours and engaging workshops, exploring how nuclear science contributes to medical research, environmental studies, and advanced technology. Highlights included observing the OPAL research reactor and learning about the use of radiation in diagnosing and treating medical conditions. It was particularly fascinating to take a deep dive into how nuclear medicine is used in cancer treatments and how radiopharmaceuticals are produced at the facility.

In addition to the reactor tour, we engaged in hands-on activities, including radiation detection experiments and interactive sessions with radiation detectors with household objects, illuminating just how prevalent radiation is in our everyday lives and how to harness and manipulate it for research purposes. These activities helped bring complex concepts to life, reinforcing classroom learning with practical demonstrations. We also learned about the environmental monitoring programs conducted by ANSTO to assess radiation levels in the surrounding environment, showcasing how science is used to ensure community safety.

The excursion was not only educational but also inspiring. I know that myself, and many students expressed newfound interest in STEM and Nuclear med careers, with several students commenting on how seeing real-world applications of science made our studies more meaningful. The staff at ANSTO were incredibly knowledgeable and encouraged students to ask questions, creating a supportive, encouraging learning environment.

A big thank you to our Science teachers and ANSTO staff for organising this enriching experience! This excursion was a valuable opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world science, igniting curiosity and ambition for future studies and careers in scientific fields.

Rose Perisce-Burrell

Year 11 Student