Turning science into gold
THERE are many unique opportunities available to St Mary’s College students that occur outside the classroom to take learning “One Pace Beyond’’.
At the college, students with an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) can participate in practical and project-based programs to further enhance their knowledge of the discipline.
Such programs, which often include a focus on inquiry-based learning, encourage young people to harness their talent and energy with hands-on experiences and real-world role models.
Last year, six St Mary’s College Year 10 students conducted open-ended science investigations under the guidance of the school and a mentor from the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and CSIRO.
The projects saw all participating students produce work of a remarkable standard, earning each of them a CSIRO Gold CREST Award — the highest school award in the national CSIRO CREST (creativity, engineering, science and technology) program.
At gold level, projects should demonstrate a high degree of originality and extensive research, while at the same time contributing something new to the scientific or technological community, or to a particular field of study.
“We are incredibly proud of what these students have achieved,” St Mary’s College science co-ordinator Heather Omant said.
“These young women have worked tirelessly, dedicating more than 100 hours to their investigations.
“Their excellent results are well deserved and will stand them in good stead for their education and future careers.”
Building on this success, Year 10 students Eloise Deconinck, Spriha Paudel and Keeley Hine-Haycock were selected as national finalists in the 2018 BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Awards.
Eloise was also named the recipient of the Rowe Scientific Most Promising Young Scientist Award for 2017, in the Tasmanian Science Talent Search.
St Mary’s College enjoyed further success in the 2017 Science and Engineering Challenge, Tasmanian Science Talent Search, National Chemistry Institute’s Titration Challenge, and the University of Tasmania Science Investigation Awards.