Hypothesising, exploring, experimenting, designing, researching and evaluating are all important aspects of learning and thinking. They can lead to discovery, understanding, growth and innovation. As we prepare for our inaugural EP Science Fair, which will take place on Tuesday 28th February, Science Prefects Wei Er Loke (Year 12) and Yvaine Ziling Low (Year 9), describe the learning journeys of our EP scientists.
Siddhart Cross, a Year 12 student, is currently working on Stirling engines, which are fascinating devices that run on heat instead of traditional fuels like gasoline. These engines use the temperature difference between a hot part and a cold part to create movement, making them environmentally friendly and a great alternative to traditional combustion engines. The potential applications of Stirling engines are vast, and they could be used in everything from toy cars to large-scale power plants.
Owen and Kenzie, Year 9 students, are exploring the concept of perpetual motion in their project. Perpetual motion is the idea that a machine can continue moving indefinitely without requiring additional energy to keep it going. While perpetual motion is still a theoretical concept and has not yet been achieved in practice, the potential benefits of such technology could be enormous, including reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources and improving our overall energy efficiency.
Axolotls, an aquatic salamander native to Mexico, have the remarkable ability to regrow their limbs if they are injured or lost. This ability has fascinated scientists for years, and has recently gained interest in the medical field for its potential applications in regenerative medicine. In fact, axolotls are considered to be the only vertebrates that can regrow complex structures such as limbs, spinal cord, heart tissue, and even parts of their brain.
Researchers at all levels, including students in our school: Helen, Neerja, and Andrea are exploring the axolotl's DNA to understand the genetic mechanisms behind their regenerative abilities. By studying the DNA of axolotls, scientists can identify the genes and proteins that play a critical role in tissue regeneration. This research is important because it could lead to the development of new treatments and therapies for humans with injuries or diseases that cause tissue damage.
Chemistry is a fascinating field of study that plays a critical role in comprehending the natural world. It encompasses the investigation of the characteristics and behaviour of matter and substances. Through the study of chemistry, we can gain insights into the composition of matter and its interactions with the environment. The subject equips us with the knowledge and tools to create medicines, improve our surroundings, and develop innovative materials.
Furthermore, it provides an understanding of the physical world, from the atoms and molecules that constitute everything around us to the chemical processes occurring in our bodies. Pursuing chemistry education can unlock a realm of opportunities and enable one to conduct exciting experiments.
All in all, please do enjoy the science fair and explore the countless amounts of scientific findings and studies by our students!
A huge thank you to Mr Rodger (Head of Physics) and the Science Faculty for making this opportunity possible.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Maria Osowiecki
Secondary Principal