Science & Technology

Head of Faculty – Science & Technology

Chris Pacey

 

Year 7 Science

The Science Faculty have been excited to welcome another group of wonderful future female scientists to the College. This first couple of weeks have seen our Year 7 students gain a better understanding about who scientists are and what they do; they have looked at the importance of safety in the Science lab; and they have also had the chance to learn about some of the equipment Scientists use, especially in their first Unit on Chemistry. Over the coming weeks, the Year 7 students will also be looking at how Scientists use this equipment to separate mixtures, including gaining their Bunsen Burner licenses.

Year 10 Science

The Year 10 Science students have started 2020 by looking at a Unit on Earth and Marine Science. In particular, students will be investigating the effect increased levels of carbon dioxide have on the chemistry of the ocean. Students undertook an experiment that saw them using their breath blowing bubbles into water with a pH indicator.

This activity showed students how water becomes more acidic when carbon dioxide is bubbled through it. As a result, it demonstrates the link between carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and a process called ocean acidification, a change in the pH, or acidity, of the ocean. As students will investigate as part of their assessment this term, this change in ocean chemistry has an impact on many living things in the oceans including coral, clams, prawns, and other sea life.

CSIRO Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy 

Year 9 students Charlize Carter and Patience Hampton-Tungutalum recently attended the inaugural CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy. This academy gives young Indigenous women the tools and support that they need to succeed in an exciting STEM career. It aims to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females undertaking studies and careers in STEM, which is done through targeted, long-term support to help overcome barriers that discourage Indigenous women from pursuing STEM careers. Charlize enjoyed every moment of the academy, which has strengthened her love of science, and her want of becoming a Vet when she leaves school. “The AIMS visit was the highlight for me. Especially being able to witness the coral spawning – this was fascinating” Charlize said. For Charlize it was also an opportunity to meet some of her elders and strengthen those connections to country.

Patience’s determination to become an Engineer in the Defence Force was strengthened during the course. “It was amazing to be able to meet Taylah Griffin who was the first Indigenous woman to graduate with an Engineering degree from QUT”, said Patience. “She is an inspiration to me, especially because she is now a Defence contractor”.