Colourful Concentration

The Science of Colour

National Science Week was held in Week 5 of Term 3. The Year 7 students investigated the Science of Colour, Years 7-12 challenged themselves with the Science Quiz and also showed their artistic talent to design next year’s Booklet Cover.

To celebrate National Science Week we were honoured to have as our guest speaker, an ambassador for all scientists, the WA Chief Scientist Professor Peter Klinken.

Professor Klinken is a leading medical research scientist who has furthered our understanding of genes involved in leukaemia, cancer and anaemia. Particularly the discovery of a gene that suppresses the growth of tumours.

He was also integral in the establishment of what is now named the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research – a facility visited by numerous keen St Hilda’s science students over the years. In 2014 Professor Klinken was appointed to the role of Chief Scientist of WA and last year was recognised as a Companion to the Order of Australia.

Titration Stakes

On Tuesday June 19, nine Year 12 students attended the ‘ChemCentre’ at Curtin University to participate in the Titration Stakes – a chemistry competition run by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. A titration is an analytical technique used in a wide range of applications, including the analysis of food, blood, urine and mineral samples. Students learn how to perform this technique as part of their studies of acids and bases in the Year 12 Chemistry course. The competition is a test of the students’ accuracy, precision, teamwork and patience. All three teams acquitted themselves well and were fine representatives of the School. Well done to all the students; especially Isabella Coveney, Siena McQuillan and Erin Miller, who are St Hilda’s champion titration team for 2018.

TechTrails

On Thursday June 14, we held a very exciting STEAM incursion for our Year 10s. TechTrails is organised by Women in Technology, a volunteer organisation committed to supporting women and young people in technology, science and innovation.

The incursion involved an opening address by the former WA Chief Scientist, Lyn Beazley, followed by 5 sessions with visiting speakers from various STEAM fields who engaged the students in an interactive presentation in our science labs. Thank you to the P&F Association who funded this event.

TechTrails

View our TechTrails video at youtu.be/Dh2JTHrWOZk