STEAM News
Girls in Physics Day –The University of Melbourne
On Friday 19 July, eight MGSC students and Ms Gilbert attended the Girls in Physics program at The University of Melbourne. The theme of this day revolved around astrophysics and celebrated the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 landing on the moon. Throughout the day, we were able to listen to engaging speakers such as Dr Helen Brand and Professor David Jameson, discussing extensively the moon, space and how physics is closely related to astronomy. We were also able to engage and interact in discussions, being able to ask questions and talk to the speakers. There was also a lab tour where we saw some of the physics departments including engineering, optics and the physics lab. Overall, it was an eye opening and interesting experience to be able to interact with like-minded women who are also passionate about physics and STEAM.
Amy Sin, Cassidy Copeland, Sarah Farhan, Shelly Kogan, Gemma Maguire, Tina Mao,
Mikaela Modra, and Lily Talbot (Year 11)
Brain Bee 2019
On Wednesday 17 July Olivia Rybinski, Navneet Bataan and myself, Ocean Kasidis, were given the amazing opportunity to spend the day at Melbourne University's Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health as part of the Brain Bee Challenge.
The day commenced at 9am, and after acquiring our name tags and free university bag of goodies, we made our way to the first affair: the competition. Armed with nothing more than our brains and university-branded pens, we answered questions that truly tested our ability in both familiar and unfamiliar neuroscience territory. However, as the hope of winning the highly coveted model brain began to fade, our minds turned to the true excitement-inducing activities of the day.
After the competition, we happily engaged in a tour of the university labs, learning about advancements in the treatment of epilepsy, and a study being conducted in which mice with epilepsy and mice without epilepsy are monitored via EEG as they perform various tasks. We also enjoyed presentations detailing the treatment of spinal cord injuries and the significance of the eye’s blood vessels, and how they are an indication of one’s health throughout the body.
After lunch and an extensive guided tour of the University and its beautiful architecture given by none other than Ms Erwin, we sat back down in the auditorium for the teacher’s competition round, which we won! Satisfied with our prize of a stuffed neuron toy, mini brain and giant anatomy beach ball, we continued to The Dax Centre, an art gallery featuring the art of patients diagnosed with mental illness. The art was incredibly raw and honest, each with its own story and each allowing an insight into life with mental illness. For me, Dax was the highlight of the day.
Physically and mentally tired from all of the intense activity and learning, we departed the Florey institute and returned home ready to flex all of our brand new knowledge, and the day ended.
Ocean Kasidis (Year 10)
Space Camp Scholarship
Mentone Girls' Secondary College will be participating in the CASE Space School with our partner Actura Australia in December 2019. The Alliance is offering participating schools the opportunity to nominate a student for a part scholarship in the Junior Program. http://www.actura.com.au/case-junior-space-school/
There are guidelines for the scholarship and limited positions. The nomination needs to be supported and submitted by the school. Any families interested please contact me by Friday 2 August to see if you are eligible at Gilbert.Diana.D@edumail.vic.gov.au
Diana Gilbert
Director of S.T.E.A.M.
Latest MGSC STEAM newsletter
The latest STEAM News, a student domain leaders' initiative, was published on 25 July. View it by following this link: MGSC STEAM newsletter Issue 6.