Science News

             Science @ MSC

In2Science eMentoring Program:

For students who enjoy Science or Maths or would like to explore the possibilities in studying Science or Maths at University, there is an excellent opportunity in the In2Science eMentoring Program.

This is a 10 week program that involves students at Maffra SC regularly connecting (via a video conference link) with a University student studying Science or Maths. This program has been running at Maffra SC for a number of years, and many students have benefitted by gaining insights into what studying science or maths at university is like by discussing their schoolwork or areas of interest by learning study tips and by improving their communication skills.

In 2020  students from Maffra SC were connected with University students studying Forensic Science, Medicine, Psychology, Biology, Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics. 

Willow Wyld (Year 9) was actively engaged with her mentor throughout Semester 1 and 2 in 2020. She met with her mentor Zoe, regularly and they discussed crime scene investigations, psychology and ethical decision making in criminology. Willow was nominated for an In2Science award for her active participation in the In2Science eMentoring program this year, and she is a finalist in the category of “Outstanding Mentee Award”. Congratulations Willow!

If you or someone you know would like to be involved in the In2Science eMentoring program in 2021 please contact Kristen Raine kristen.raine@education.vic.gov.au

What’ll Happen to the Wattle?

Supported by the Australian Space Agency and in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA),the "What’ll happen with the wattle??!" program was offered to 150 schools across Australia. A community panel judged the applications that included 200 words and a short video, explaining what the schools would do with the wattle once it had grown. 

We are extremely excited to announce that our school, Maffra Secondary College has been chosen to conduct this research in association with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Australian Space Agency and the One Giant Leap Australia Foundation.

In 2021 during Science Week, Maffra SC will receive a sample of 6 wattle seeds which have been at the International Space Station for the past 6 months. We will attempt to germinate these seeds (as well as 6 “non-space” seeds) in controlled conditions and observe any changes in the space seeds. 

As part of this project (which will take 1-2 years), students at Maffra SC will have the opportunity to be involved in a real-world scientific investigation, comparing the germination and growth of seeds from space with seeds that were not sent to space. This is a first for Australia and it is envisaged that the wattle will then be planted in our school and a map be made of all the ‘space wattle trees’ around Australia.

A volunteer group of Year 7 and 8 students (pictured below) designed and created the video application (including playing and recording the background music with the help of our music department.)

We are proud of our students and excited to be a part of this ongoing research. We look forward to working with all of the research partners and Australian schools involved in the project.