Science Week at John Paul College was a whirlwind of excitement, curiosity, and hands-on learning, with the theme 'Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability.' The College was energised by science-themed bell music and students eagerly participated in daily trivia challenges, testing their knowledge and fostering friendly competition. A highlight was the digital escape room activity, where students collaborated to complete eight challenges on the issues threatening the survival of different animals and the innovative ways in which scientists are working to save these species from extinction.
Read more about the highlights from Science Week...
A group of over 30 students from various year levels participated in a beach clean-up at Frankston Beach with the 3199 Beach Patrol. After a talk by volunteers about the impact of beach litter on marine life, the students set out with bags and grabbers to collect rubbish along the shoreline. They collected a total of 6kg of waste, including 2kg of recyclables. The day concluded with morning tea and a chat with the volunteers.
It was eye-opening to see just how much rubbish was hidden in the sand. It felt great to know that we were making a difference, even in a small way. Overall, it was an awesome experience, and I would love to do it again.
Year 10 and 11 students participated in a Biomedical Sciences Day at the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) in collaboration with the University of Melbourne. The event provided an engaging introduction to Biomedical Sciences, featuring inspiring talks, hands-on lab activities, and a virtual reality experience exploring the anatomy of a beating heart.
Students received a warm welcome from GTAC, followed by a captivating speech by Professor Jennifer Wilkinson-Berka, who expanded their understanding of Biomedical Sciences and the diverse career paths available. Students also had the chance to ask current Biomedical students about university life and their future career options.
In the GTAC labs, students examined cells under the microscope and took part in a competition against other colleges, exploring illnesses such as arthritis, cancer, and schizophrenia. This hands-on experience offered valuable insight into what pursuing a research career in the biomedical field entails. The day continued at the University of Melbourne, where a unique virtual reality session provided an in-depth look at the anatomy of a beating heart. The visit concluded with an exploration of the Harry Brooks Allen Museum, the largest museum of human tissue in the southern hemisphere. The event left students with a deepened passion for biomedical sciences and a clearer vision of future careers in the field.
Overall, this was an amazing experience that widened my knowledge and passion for the biomedical field. It gave me a clearer vision of what a future career in this area could look like, making me even more excited to pursue this pathway.
GTAC's Biomedical Science Day was an eye-opening experience, deepening my understanding of the future of science and technological advancements. Meeting influential scientists and learning about biomedicine's impact on daily life was unique, and connecting with current students provided valuable insights into what lies ahead.
Students and staff came together at the Ngargee Centre's native garden to plant a variety of indigenous trees, shrubs, and grasses to enrich the school’s ecosystem. This effort aims to enhance local biodiversity and create new habitats for wildlife, supporting the health and diversity of the surrounding environment.
John Paul College students also helped lead Science Day activities at St. Anne's Primary School, guiding younger students through fun and educational experiments like 'Elephant’s Toothpaste' and 'Oobleck.' Their enthusiasm and leadership made a lasting impression on the primary students.
The prep group I worked with did Elephant’s Toothpaste for Science Day. It was easy and exciting for the kids, who were amazed by the experiment. They also enjoyed the messy "Ooblek," which they kept as a souvenir. It was a fun and interesting experience, and I'd definitely do it again.
The 2024 St. Anne’s Science Day was a success. It was great to see the younger kids' excitement and participation in the experiments. Their enthusiasm made the day enjoyable for everyone involved.
To celebrate the power of photography in capturing scientific phenomena, students were invited to participate in the JPC Science Week Photography Competition. The competition encouraged them to explore their own scientific theme or the National Science Week theme for 2024, 'Species Survival – More Than Just Sustainability.'
Congratulations to Bridie (Year 11) and Izabella (Year 8) for their winning entries. Their photos showcased exceptional creativity and insight into the wonders of science.
To cap off Science Week, the College celebrated the achievement of Year 7 student Denzel, who earned a Certificate of Distinction in the Science Olympiad, placing him among the top 20% of all entrants. Denzel’s success is a testament to his hard work and passion for science.