Something for Everyone During Science Week
Mercy Light: Learning
Have you ever wondered why 鈥榙ark matter鈥� matters? Or about how marine biologists extract and examine samples from animals?
Science Week is a national occasion promoting engagement with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). This year鈥檚 schools’ theme was Species Survival: More than just sustainability, and College Science Coordinator, Ms Linda Kitto, explains how, 鈥淪cience Week celebrations provide students with the chance to engage in learning without the pressure of assessments and deadlines. In this context, students often feel more comfortable taking risks and exploring ideas without the fear of failure.鈥�
Ms Kitto says, 鈥淭he activities we have offered are designed to be interactive and engaging, while also fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential in both STEM fields and everyday life.鈥�
Year 12 STEM leaders, Tara Tu and Abbie Gibney, agree.
鈥淪cience Week is a great opportunity for students to explore their interests in science within a safe and welcoming space, surrounded by supportive teachers,鈥� Tara says.
鈥淭hroughout the week we’ve had a bunch of different activities in class time and lunchtime. From Reception all the way to Year 12, we’ve set up activities to suit all students,鈥� Abbie adds.
There was an interactive session exploring how animals over time have adapted to survive in extraordinary environmental conditions, with students then having the chance to 鈥榠nvent鈥� their own creature. Then there was the escape room experience, with students solving a series of scientific mysteries. There were interesting 鈥� if a little gross 鈥� encounters with Jonah the Whale! Students collected and studied samples of pretend snot, testing pH, protein and glucose levels and examining its colour.
It was a great deal of fun and a rich learning experience, based on new innovations.
鈥淧ersonally, my favourite part of Science Week was learning about the initiative led by a marine biologist who uses drone technology to monitor whale behaviour and collect samples,鈥� Ms Kitto says.
鈥淭his approach has allowed scientists to learn much more about whales and the health of our oceans. It is also incredibly rewarding when students respond to an activity you’ve prepared with excitement and awe at what they have been able to achieve.鈥�
A highlight of the week for SAC鈥檚 youngest students was a special 鈥榲isit鈥� from Professor Dumkoff, the colourful and hilarious alter-ego of Year 3 teacher, Mr Brendan May, and his equally quirky assistant, Hans Strudel (Year 4 teacher, Mr Aaron Casey). The dynamic duo led a session for students in Reception-Year 2 on rockets with a fizzy twist, followed by a fun quiz on the animal kingdom.
Science Week鈥檚 activities not only captured students鈥� imagination, but their curiosity and critical thinking. A group of students in Years 10-12 gathered in the Physics lab on Wednesday to ponder the huge concept of our universe with Mr Paolo Arman, who, in just 45 breathtaking minutes, explained the evolution of our universe and the existence of dark matter.
Mr Arman has been inspiring SAC鈥檚 emerging scientists and innovators for over 15 years. Old Scholar, Victoria Cholsh (Class of 2021), recently nominated him for the Australian Institute of Physics’ 2024 Excellence in Physics Teaching Award. This award is given to a South Australian teacher who has made an 鈥榦utstanding contribution towards teaching physics at high-school level鈥�. The Institute awarded the prestigious honour to Mr Arman at a ceremony held earlier this month.
Mr Arman鈥檚 nominator, Victoria, says, 鈥渉e not only taught me Physics, but resilience. A lot of learning in physics can come from failing and learning how to deal with disappointment, and sometimes not achieving my goals is something Mr Arman helped mentor me through. His genuine love and enthusiasm for the subject is what got me interested in Physics and is the reason I am still studying Physics at university.鈥�
Mr Arman shared that this recognition is, 鈥渁 very special highlight in my career alongside a trip to NASA in the USA and working with my amazing and dedicated SAC teaching colleagues. Having my name on a perpetual shield, alongside renowned high school physics textbook authors and Physics curriculum advisors, is a real honour for me. In my brief thank you speech, I thanked the Institute for recognising teachers who may not gain visibility through authoring books or serving on committees.鈥�
He said, 鈥淚t is very humbling and gratifying as a classroom teacher to be professionally recognised as an important contributor to the education of Physics in our state. There are so many Physics teachers in the classrooms just getting on with the job and it’s at this grassroots level where the foundation of Physics education and career paths begins its journey.鈥�
This well-deserved award for one of SAC鈥檚 longest-serving staff is cause for great celebration during Science Week.
Mr Arman with Year 12 Physics students
吃瓜网 might be home to the frivolous likes of Professor Dumkoff and Hans Strudel. However, as showcased during Science Week, the expertise of SAC鈥檚 innovative STEM faculty and its student leaders is no laughing (or dark) matter. It is indeed admirable, with many SAC students, like Victoria, forging successful pathways in the field beyond school.
A final word from Tara and Abbie, as they prepare to conclude their term as STEM leaders and embrace life beyond school: 鈥淒on’t be afraid to give things a try! STEM is about being willing enough to try something new and have the chance to learn something you’re interested in. We encourage all students to ask questions and stay curious!鈥�
Ms Maddie Kelly
Marketing & Communications Team
Catch a glimpse of the Science Week action and see below some of the outstanding entries for the annual Oliphant Science Awards competition
