STAQ Awards

This year in Year 9 STEM Extension both classes have spent a term working on projects to submit in the annual Science Teacher Association of Queensland Science Contest (STAQ). Students from around the state are required to design their own scientific investigations or engineering projects, with our classes competing not only against other Year 9 students but Year 10 students as well. 

I want to first commend every student who took part in this unit, which is the most challenging unit offered in STEM and requires persistence, creativity and skill. I also recognise the following students who have received either a Highly Commended nomination or placed within the top three submissions in their division. 

For Scientific Investigations we acknowledge:

• Oliva Loth and Mia Wise, who were highly commended for their investigation the effect of cosmetic foundation on bacterial growth. 
• Amber Gledhill, who was highly commended for her investigation ton the effectiveness of antacids.
• Amalia Nielsen, Brinlyn Malisani and Miranda Spark, who were highly commended for their investigation into antimicrobial cross-protection in two species of microbes. 
• Eliza Bolger and Ella Ainsworth, who were highly commended for their investigation into the effect of caffeine on bacterial growth.
• Amelie Turner, who was highly commended for her investigation into the effect of the angle of a kick and the distance a football travels.
• We also want to specially acknowledge Kathleen Goodall, who placed 3rd in the state for her investigation into the effect of different sugars on the rate of respiration in yeast.

For Engineering and Technology we also acknowledge:

• Ava Curtis, who was highly commended for her creation of a bio-filter that aimed to purify polluted water.
• Ella Roberts, who not only placed 2nd in the state but received the UQ School of the Environment Award for her design and testing of a 3D printed marine substrate, which was 3D printed from crushed coral and resin. 
• And finally Georgina Lucas and Sophia Mammoliti, who placed 2nd in the state for their work building economical bridges, using wooden prototypes to create bridges that use less materials but maintain the same load bearing capacity.