SCIENCE LEARNING AREA
What’s happening in Science at St Joseph’s College?
2024 has provided and will continue to provide our students with immersive, hands-on experiences that allow thought-provoking discussions and real-world applications. These experiences will not be confined to textbook learning but will extend far beyond the classroom walls.
The 2024 Melbourne Grand Prix was the first of its kind at the college. Students engaged with V8 Supercar commentator and previous team owner Mark Larkham through first-hand interactions. They also had the opportunity to interact with F1, F2, and F3 drivers and engineers and, of course, experience the sights and sounds of the Melbourne Grand Prix itself.
As written by Taylor and Lucas Gregg:
On 20 March, a group of students travelled by bus to Melbourne for an experience that was nothing short of extraordinary. We were invited to come along to the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, a prestigious event that was an honour to attend. The trip was an invaluable learning experience, and witnessing the cars and scenery was incredibly exciting. It was a wonderfully unique educational opportunity that we are all very thankful for, learning about both the science and technological aspects behind one of the highest-level forms of motorsport.
We had the pleasure of talking to Mark Larkham who explained the aerodynamics of the cars and the physics involved with racing. Aside from the educational benefits, the trip also created unforgettable memories of meeting some of the Formula 1 and 2 drivers, exploring the circuit, and seeing many different car manufacturers.
None of this incredible experience would have been possible without the supervising teachers and Mrs Alexander, so I’d like to say a massive thank you to them. Their contribution to organising and directing this trip has enabled us to be involved in this incredible opportunity that will never be forgotten.
I look forward to the continuation of this excursion and highly encourage taking more students who are interested in STEM and motorsport to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.
As written by Tobias Floramo
Last week, I was lucky enough to go to The Melbourne Grand Prix with the school. After standing in line a little while, we made our way in and went to the merchandise stalls to get some souvenirs. We looked around at the porches for a bit and then we decided to have a look around at some of the on display cars and try to spot some famous Aussie faces such as Daniel Riccardo, Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan. After that we had a lunch break and waited for famous ex supercar racer Mark Larkham to come and talk to us.
When he arrived, he talked about how the cars worked and some of the safety features in them. He also was happy to answer some of our questions. After speaking with Mark, we made our way across the water bridge to the other side. After a while we all met up again and watched the Supercars go for their qualifying laps. It was pretty awesome to see some famous drivers such as Cam Waters. After this we went up to a hill where we all sat down and watched the Porsche Carrera Cup Race. Then we went down to a pretty cool spot to watch the first Supercar race. It was a surreal experience as it’s something I could only watch on TV, but here I was watching it in real life.
Overall, it was such a great experience, and I am very lucky to have been picked. I can’t wait to go on the next Grand Prix trip if it ever takes place. I’d like to thank Mrs Alexander, Mr Fleming, Mrs Duscher, and Miss Arnold for this amazing experience and for making it all happen.
Excitingly, the St Joseph’s College Open Evening featured the first-ever college rocket launches. The Science Learning Area will gradually be taking a STEM-based approach to teaching the traditional science concept of Forces and Energy, using rocketry as a unit for engagement across the Junior years. Students will learn about these concepts using critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to build and actively launch their rockets from within the college grounds. In conjunction with this, we are aiming to launch an Astronomy Club in the coming weeks, incorporating Earth and Space Science curiosities.
Mrs Samantha Alexander
Science Learning Area Facilitator
GIRLS IN PHYSICS BREAKFAST 2024
On Tuesday 19 March, 11 girls in Years 10 to 12, either studying or interested in Physics at our college, attended the Girls in Physics Breakfast held at the Mildura Golf Club.
This provided students with the opportunity to network with other girls who have similar interests from local schools and also meet women working in STEM, Engineering, or Physics-related fields so they could learn more about their work and career pathways.
The Keynote Speaker on the day was Dr Gail Iles from RMIT, who provided a very engaging presentation on her journey in the context of 'Aeroplanes and Rocket Science – your ticket into space'. The presentation was very insightful and provided those attending with an excellent overview of why they should look to pursue a career in these fields.
The morning was inspiring, interesting, and full of surprising information. We thank the organising committee from VICPHYSICS and Mallee Regional Innovation Centre, who made the arrangements for this event to be held in Mildura. We look forward to more events of this type in future years. I encourage interested students to take up similar opportunities as they present themselves.
Mr George Paolucci
Year 12 Physics Teacher