Science News

Applications for the Melbourne Zoo Youth Leadership Program are now open!

After a successful program in 2022, with two of our VSC students participating and loving the Zoos Leadership program, we are pleased to support it again. 

What is the program? 

The program runs over a period of 11 days from April to June 2023. Year 9-10 Science students from across the state are invited to join in the program, where they will develop tangible and usable Science skills while growing as a leader in a group environment. They will learn from Zoos Victoria mentors and industry leaders and be supported to undertake a Science research project that will help inform a wildlife conservation project.

What students will learn?

 Students will gain a deep understanding of their capabilities as Science leaders, tap into a sense of purpose and develop knowledge and skills that they will use beyond the program:

·       Leadership skills

·       Science knowledge and skills

·       Communication skills

·       Animal and wildlife conservation experience

·       Mentoring and positive role models

·       Project work to solve a real-world problem

Who this program is for?

·       Emerging science leaders - students who have drive and leadership potential to step up and take the lead in Science.

·       Existing student leaders - students who are already in leadership positions and want to improve their Science skills and impact.

·       Wildlife conservation champions - students who are passionate about wildlife and want to develop Science leadership skills for conservation projects.

What else do you need to know?

·       The program requires all students to submit an application form - applications close Thursday 2nd March

·       The program has a cost of $1500

·       You will need to have a teacher recommendation to apply for the program

·       For more information please see Ms Green in E11 or visit: https://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/whats-on/events/youth-leadership/

Chemistry and Art Competition

The Royal Australian Chemical Institute Chemistry and Art Competition is on again! Students who wish to enter are asked to create a 2D image no greater than A4 size which depicts their thoughts about chemistry, chemists or the chemical industry.  

The subject of the artwork may be:

·       Crystals, solutions, powders, chemical mixtures or compounds

·       Laboratories or other workplaces where chemical experiments are performed

·       Apparatus and equipment used in chemistry laboratories

·       Factories or processing equipment used in industry associated with chemistry and chemicals such as paints, detergents and disinfectants, foodstuffs like chocolate and cheese, beverages, glass bottles and plastic containers, pharmaceutical products, fertilizers used in gardens and agriculture, etc.

·       Anything else related to chemistry

What can be used to create the artwork?

·       Drawing with pen, Texta, charcoal, crayon, or chalk on paper, board or similar

·       Painting with watercolours, oil or acrylic paints on paper, canvas or board

·       Photography – digital, Polaroid or traditional

·       Digital media such as Pro-Create, Illustrator or other artistic design software (digital artwork must fit within and be printed to A4 paper size)

·       Collage, linotype or suitable medium or mixed media

 For more information and to download an artwork submission form, visit:https://www.raci.org.au/RACI/Web/Schools/Chemistry_and_Art.aspx?hkey=42e7afe5-d900-4dda-97db-fe4e8c196b44

A note on Science Competitions for 2023

More information regarding the regular Science Competitions will be advertised in the newsletter and on our VSC Compass feed as dates begin to open up. A number of these will take place during Term 3 but we will begin to advertise them early next term. Keep an eye out here if you are interesting in participating in a range of assessments and competitions in order to extend your understanding on all things Science. This year we will be offering the ICAS Science Assessment, the International Chemistry Quiz and selected students will be asked to participate in our Olympiad series. For more information as dates become available please see Ms Green in room E11.