Science News

STEAM: Frontiers and Applications Tour 2020

What can rocks tell us about the possibility of life being or having ever been on Mars? A lot more than you might believe. The students going on the STEAM: Frontiers and Applications Tour to Orlando, Florida and the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral visited the Victorian Space Science Education Centre. While there they analysed rock samples to determine what the rocks can tell us about how they were formed and the conditions the rocks might have encountered. One of the key features they were looking for was whether the rocks had been exposed to water, an essential ingredient for life as we know it.

 

After their basic geological training, the students then took on the roles of scientists and engineers at Mission Control with the aim of remotely controlling a real robot to explore and analyse rocks on the surface of ‘Mars’. Even working as a team, it proved to be a real challenge to control the robot’s movement, keep it at the right temperature and pick the appropriate tools for analysis. In the end, with the help of the engineers, the scientists were able to analyse a couple of collected samples.

 

 

The Mission Control may not have been exactly like the real thing, but the teamwork required to successfully carry out the tasks certainly was!

 

David Ebert

Head of Digital Technologies

Registrations for the 69th Science Talent Search is open soon!!

The Science Talent Search theme for 2020 is Deep Blue: innovations for the future of our oceans.

 

You may enter as an individual or as pairs. Students can choose to demonstrate science learning through:

- Working Models

- Inventions (eligible winning entries will be entered into the National BHPFSEA Competition)

- Experimental Research (eligible winning entries will be entered into the National BHPFSEA Competition)

- Creative Writing (Foundation to Year 10)

- Science Photography

- Games

- Video Productions

- Computer Programs - Games and Simulations

- Posters - Scientific Wall charts (Foundation to Year 10)

- Class Research Project (Primary school entries ONLY)

 

In most sections, students are not limited to the theme if their interest in science is in a different area.

 

All students who submit an entry into the competition will receive a certificate:

- Major Bursary (Certificate + Monetary prize from $25 up to $300)

- Minor Bursary (Certificate + Monetary prize from $20 up to $200)

- Distinction Award Certificate

- Merit Award Certificate

- Acknowledgement Certificate

 

Last year Ishwarya Polisetti entered an Experimental Research report as a Year 10 student and won a Minor Bursary! 

 

Registration closes Monday 25th May. See Mrs Loucaides for more information.

The Academy for Enterprising Girls

This is a new government-funded program designed to engage Australian girls in innovation and entrepreneurship. The Academy for Enterprising Girls will unlock future career opportunities for Australian girls by fostering an interest in STEM, design thinking and innovation. 

The Academy is designed to be engaging and relevant to girls right across Australia from 10-18 years old. It is a free program that complements the Australian curriculum. 

 

The Academy has been co-designed by girls for girls. It includes an engaging online program and a national series of workshops, teaching girls how to become innovators and kick-start their own business dreams.

 

Female students are encouraged to take this opportunity to develop their innovation, STEM, coding and entrepreneurial skills. 

 

You can find out more about the Academy for Enterprising Girls online and through our social media:

Website: https://enterprisinggirls.com.au

Science Outdoor Learning Area

We are very excited about the new Science Outdoor Learning Area which is in its final planning stage. This will be an incredible space allowing classes to sit and explore all things Science. It will feature a DNA helix inspired pathway, chemical building block seats and range of different plant species. Watch this space!

 

Haroula Loucaides

Head of Science