Annually, the Gen STEM Up & Atom Fair is an opportunity for our Gen STEM students to pursue any STEM passion project they are interested in. In association with PhD students from Universities around Australia, and with our partner program the Wonder of Science, students questioned, researched, and explored their passion projects. They stepped out of their comfort zones, and presented this to parents, peers, and distinguished guests, to share their knowledge and to inspire others to join the conversation. On behalf of Foxwell State Secondary College, we would like to congratulate the following students: 

Our Year 7 People’s Choice awards were awarded to Paige S and Eva Mikha. Paige investigated whether flowers affect one’s mental health, and Eva investigated whether antidepressants cause more harm than good to your mental wellbeing

Our Year 8 People’s Choice awards were awarded to Stella B and Amritha Ravipati. Stella investigated whether pea flowers can be used as a natural pH indicator, and went on to design a tea which would change colour with a changing acidity, whereas Amritha investigated how food affects mood, surveying her peers and physically constructing the chemicals that are present inside the brain such as serotonin and dopamine.

Our Year 9 People’s Choice award was awarded to Esther Rinatta and Mia Dos Santos. Esther investigated how music impacts your bodily reactions such as heart rate and mood, and Mia investigated how mental health affects the immune system

One student in Year 7, 8 and 9 was selected to receive this award, based on their thorough understanding of the STEM inquiry process, their project’s reflection of the global competencies of Citizenship and Creativity, as well as their unwavering display of the College’s SPIRIT values. The recipient of this award received the Spirit of STEM inaugural trophy, medal, certificate, and a $50 Westfield Coomera voucher.

Our Year 7 SPIRIT of STEM award winner was Wintana Cizic

Wintana investigated how thermal expansion causes sea levels to rise around the world. Thermal expansion is the tendency of matter to increase in volume and density as temperature rises. Wintana correctly hypothesised that water that was placed closer to a heat lamp would have a larger volume than water that was placed further away. Her results indicated that if changes aren’t made to reduce global warming, it can be expected that sea levels will continue to rise, creating issues such as erosion, flooding, and habitat loss. Throughout her project, Wintana showed perseverance as she worked through the STEM inquiry cycle to create an engaging presentation, communicating her research to a range of audience members including students, parents, and distinguished guests. 

Our Year 8 SPIRIT of STEM award winner was Aleera Scherrenberg

Aleera receives this award for embodying the values of the Gen STEM program, remaining resilient through adversity and persevering through challenges. She has shown commitment, passion, application, and responsibility, relentlessly pursuing an STEM area of genuine interest. Aleera has been motivated all term from the inception of the project, maintained focus and self-determination, and created a product that was of extremely high calibre and clearly showed deep connections between Citizenship and Creativity. She exemplified the ‘never give up’ attitude throughout this inquiry. Through her study of a variety of different compost systems and their implementation in the real-world, she sought to bring a better future to our homes and our environment. Please join me in congratulating Aleera Scherrenberg. 

Our Year 9 SPIRIT of STEM award winner was Qyn S

Qyn receives this award for displaying exemplary perseverance, integrity and respect and responsibility through her implementation of the scientific inquiry cycle. Qyn is a quiet and respectful high achiever who only joined Gen STEM this year and has overcome many challenges to be who she is today. Her passion project explored the difference in brain chemistry between extroverts and introverts. Using in-depth research, Qyn discovered that introvert brains are more sensitive to the chemical dopamine, which can lead to feeling overwhelmed in loud and busy situations. Introverts also use more areas of the brain when making a decision. Throughout her project Qyn went in and out of the learning pit and constantly stepped outside of her comfort zone to communicate her findings to others. We are delighted to acknowledge her journey.

The First Lego League Regional Conference will be held next Saturday 12th November, from 8:30am-3pm. Attendance is mandatory for all Year 7 and 8 Gen STEM students. Please see the email sent from Head of Physical World Nahdia McClymont to all parents on Thursday 27th October, with a permission note that needs to be signed and returned. If you are unable to find it, please check in your junk folder, or email nmccl31@eq.edu.au for another copy.

On the day, students are encouraged to dress as wacky, crazy, and fun as they would like. Think big colours, crazy hats, tutus, onesies, the sky is the limit! Students will need to pack their own morning tea, lunch, and possibly afternoon tea on the day. The canteen will not be open on the day. Parents and guests are more than welcome to attend on the day to observe the competition in action, but are not expected to attend.

Thank you for your continued support with this program, it is a delight to share the achievements of our incredible students with you.

Warm regards,

Nahdia McClymont

Head of Physical World