STEM Conference 2026

Year 7 & 8 Skeps students recently attended the KIOSC STEM Communication Conference at Swinburne University, where they had the opportunity to showcase their STEM investigations, engage with students from other schools, and explore innovative ideas from across the Knox region.

Students presented projects on a wide range of topics, including alternative energy sources, water filtration, density in the human body, ocean pollution solutions, crystal formation, and the effects of acid rain on rocks. Students demonstrated impressive scientific knowledge while developing valuable communication and problem-solving skills.

Many students appreciated the opportunity to connect with others and learn from different perspectives. Students enjoyed discussing their investigations with visitors, answering challenging questions from judges, and viewing the creative projects presented by other schools. The robot maze challenge and interactive activities were memorable parts of the day.

One group presented More Than a Lava Lamp, an innovative concept designed to help clean oil spills and plastic pollution in oceans. Students involved in the project spoke about the inspiration they gained from meeting professionals in fields such as engineering and marine biology. 

Another group explored how density is used to separate blood components, while the Super Duper Water Filters team investigated methods to improve water purification and reflected on the resilience and teamwork required when overcoming challenges during the project.

A highlight of the day was the success of one of our teams, who received the STEM Communication Award for their outstanding project investigating the effects of acid rain on different types of rocks. What set this project apart was its integration of Indigenous perspectives, examining how First Nations peoples traditionally used different rocks as tools and exploring which rock types were most suitable and resilient. 

The team’s ability to communicate complex scientific concepts while making meaningful connections between environmental science, geology, and Indigenous knowledge impressed the judges and earned them this prestigious award.

The Super Duper Water Group:

My group had a great time at KIOSC. We got to present our ideas and go to see lots of innovative ideas from other schools and was a fun time to connect and learn. ~ Kanvar Singh

The Kiosk was a fun but tough experience best described as a roller coaster. There was lots of issues including losing a team member and failing our prototypes. It didn't go well as we noticed so many different issues like not having a power point. It didn't help we were only given one school class to do it and the rest at home. In the end it was a great experienced for public speaking and problem solving. 

~ Patrick Mcfadden

The Density - It Has Layers Group:

Our presentation showed how density relates to blood. The best parts of the day were the robot maze challenge, interacting with visitors to our stand, and seeing all the interesting experiments. ~ Zoe Fox

My group was density-it has layers. we did a presentation on how blood is separated using density. the best part of the day was doing the competitions during morning tea and having the people interact with our table experiment. 

~ Guntaz Kaur

The More Than a Lava Lamp Group:

During the KIOSK excursion, my group presented a demo of a lava lamp pollution cleaning bot to combat the real world issue of oil spillage and plastic. We were able to experience so many opportunities such as meeting professors and doctors that gave us insight into the world of mechanical engineering and marine biology. All in all, the experience was one to remember, helping us discover our potential and harness it, while having fun doing it! ~ Keerthana Kishore

I had a really fun time at KIOSC, and I learnt a lot of different things. My project was about oil spillages and waste in the ocean, and how to combat it. Our solution was a machine creature, that floated and swam around in the ocean, collecting oil waste through a tube, which then travelled to a lava lamp that was connected to the machine. My group had a really fun time presenting to all the different schools, and it was a great opportunity to connect with other people and learn. ~ Veronica Kuo

The Why Does Sulfuric Acid Affect Some Rocks and Not Others? Group (WINNERS!)

I really enjoyed the KIOSC communication conference because it was a good opportunity to talk with people from other schools and adults that have interesting questions for us. I liked learning new things and the overall joy that everyone from our class that attended had with a nice sense of community. My group also won the communication award and liked the prizes they gave out and the day was so fun! 

~ Caitlin Briers

My group was really fun to present with. My favourite part of the day was the robot maze challenge. I loved getting to see how other people were able to present their idea in a fun and exciting way. ~ Charlotte Troeth

I really enjoyed presenting my project with my group even though one of my group members unfortunately couldn't make it. It was really cool seeing how much my group improved from the 1st presentation to the last. My group ended up winning the communication award which was really fun. I really enjoyed my day at KIOSC.  

~ Tilly Cooper

The Rock Candies Group:

Dash, Harvey, Bailey and I (BAHD Ideas) researched the link between how Igneous rocks form and how Rock candies are made. They are similar because they both form from hot liquids solidifying, however they are made from different materials. We had a great time meeting new people and teaching people new things. ~ Aidan Griffin

The Nuclear Energy Group:

Nuclear energy has many benefits such as nuclear energy does not produce green house gasses when used. On the other hand nuclear energy also has its disadvantages, these include nuclear accidents that happen when nuclear atoms split out of control and create an explosion, Fukushima for example. Nuclear energy is a good replacement for fossil fuels but its disadvantages are way too much of a safety issue. ~ Kevin Yuan

The day was filled with curiosity, collaboration, and creativity. Students represented the school exceptionally well and returned with new knowledge, greater confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the role STEM plays in solving real-world problems. We congratulate all students who participated and thank them for being such positive ambassadors for our school.

Agustina Goh 

Science