Outside the Classroom
Girls confidence grows under STEM mentorship
Four of our Year 10 students Mackenzie Cantamessa, Abby Coghlan, Millie Groom and Mia Matthews are extending their learning by engaging in a STEM specific program, Curious Minds, for girls who live in rural and remote regions.
The program aims to empower girls who are passonate, high performers in STEM to explore their full potential across topics of interest of their choosing. Our students were accepted into the program last year and they attended a STEM Camp in Adelaide in Decemeber.
Following on from the STEM Camp experience, Mackenzie, Abby, Millie and Mia have been matched with their own personal STEM mentor who currently works in a field of our students' interest. They link in with their mentor every 3 weeks and discuss their personal learning goals, future study and career options as well as work on a study project together.
Mackenzie is interested in becoming a Vet and her mentor is a Biological Scientist. Together they have been looking at fluroescent cells and genes, with her personal project, a research paper, exploring how different processes in micro-organisms affect Vet Science practices.
Abby is interested in fields of Engineering and Biology and her mentor is a Brisbane-based Scientist who works for the CSIRO. Abby's project is creating a presentation for primary school students about the different types of STEM they may come across daily.
Millie's is hoping to pursue a career in the Health/Sports Science fields and her mentor is a Sydney-based Scientist who works in various fields. Millie is still deciding on a project to complete as she is interested in all aspects of STEM. She said she has enjoyed meeting people with the same interests throughout the Curious Minds program.
Mia has her sights set on a career in the Medical/Health world. Her mentor is a Neuroscientist and is helping Mia with her powerpoint presentation looking at the affects of dementia on the brain as humans age. Mia has been analysing MRI scans and comparing data on a healthy brain verse a brain affected by dementia. "I chose this style of project to improve my public speaking skills," she said.
The Curious Minds program deepens our students understanding of what their future career may hold in a fun and supportive environment. Their confidence, knowledge and ability, along with their critical thinking, problem-solving skills and scientific networks are broadened and strengthened. Our students are busy between their personal mentorships engaging in Connect Events featuring guest speakers, interactive sessions and networking opportunities. They are looking forward to participating in an online STEM camp in July.The Australian Mathematics Trust (AMT) and Australian Science Innovations (ASI) jointly deliver the Curious Minds program, which is supported by the Australian National University.
Sarah on CSIRO Youth Reference Council
Our Year 9 student Sarah Hart is enjoying the opportunity to be part of the CSIRO's Youth Reference Council. Last year Sarah was selected as one of 25 out of 600 applicants to be named a Young Future Shaper. She was then short-listed and named as one of 8 students from across Australia to make up the first CSIRO Youth Reference Council memebers. Sarah attended a STEM education event in Melbourne at the start of the year at Monash University representing and advocating for the diverse young voices of Australia.
But it wasn't all business, Sarah also explored the CSIRO's mixed-reality laboratories checking out the cutting-edge technology and meeting the experts who work in the field.
"A highlight was the solar panel lab tour at the Flexible Electronics Lab," she said.
Being part of the Council is helping Sarah build her STEM problem solving, creativity, teamwork and communication skills as she has already had the opportunity to run meetings and be involved in Q&A sessions with leading scientists. She and her fellow Council members are working on a variety of projects this year delivered by CSIRO scientists and Education Outreach program facilitators.
Sarah is hoping to pursue a career in marine medicine or medical research.
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