Visit to Quantum Victoria

Quantum Victoria

During Week 8 of Term 1, our Year 8 LEAP class had the exciting opportunity to visit Quantum Victoria. This visit allowed students to collaborate in teams and to learn about viruses, mutations, and transmissions in the context of a Global Pandemic simulation called "The Viral Enigma”.

Throughout this immersive experience, students honed their skills in simulations, algorithmic thinking, and mathematics without the use of numbers, words, or calculations. They delved into understanding how viruses infect individuals, how they spread among different populations, and the profound implications in our modern world.

The exploration continued as students learned about the infection process within a cell and its global impact. This hands-on learning not only dispelled misconceptions related to infectious diseases but also steered students towards a comprehensive understanding of pathogenic conditions, treatments, and relevant statistics.

Through participating in this program, students were able to gain valuable insights into the world of viruses and their impact on human health, equipping them with essential knowledge for today's interconnected society.

Ms Maria Lelekakis

On the 20th of March, I went to the viral enigma at Quantum. On this excursion, I engaged in many activities throughout the day that were engaging and entertaining. One of the activities included collecting data by solving puzzles by using algorithmic thinking and problem-solving strategies. I also learnt a lot about pandemics, DNA and data throughout this excursion. 

-Gia, 8J

At the end of the term, my class went on ‘A Viral Enigma’ excursion at Quantum Victoria and it was a wonderful, knowledgeable, educational experience! The point of the excursion was to investigate a made-up virus, The Q Virus, so that we could gain more information about viruses and vaccines to help us with our interdisciplinary assessment- taking place this term. The day commenced by being split into two groups, which were sent into different rooms. The first activity involved looking into how quickly viruses would spread when partaking in certain boundaries; isolation, avoidance measures (washing hands, wearing a mask etc.) and vaccination. From this, we discovered that isolation fell as the most effective way to stop the virus from spreading. 

After, we studied pathogens and we were able to decode a DNA. At the end of the day, we participated in an activity which involved working out the colour pattern found within cubes to help a scientist find a cure for The Q Virus. 

Each activity was extremely enjoyable and I learnt so many valuable facts regarding viruses! 

-Chloe, 8J

The Quantum Victoria excursion was really fun, and we did a lot of interesting activities. I personally loved the cube activity, where we were emersed in a storyline, using cubes to solve problems to help stop a virus. There were riddles, and we had to move around in blue hazmat suits to complete all the riddles. The DNA activity was very informational, and I learnt a lot. I had fun decoding what the models said, and figuring out the message about stopping the virus. 

Personally, those were my favourite parts of the excursion, as they were the most memorable, and taught me various different things while keeping the activity fun. Overall, the excursion was great, and the storyline of stopping the virus kept me engaged deeply.  

-Samara, 8J