The G-STEM Up & Atom Fair in Term 3 was an opportunity for our G-STEM students to pursue any STEM passion project in which they were interested. In association with PhD students from Universities around Australia, and with our partner program The Wonder of Science, our students questioned, researched, and explored their passion projects. They stepped out of their comfort zones, and presented this to their peers as well as a wider community audience, to share their knowledge and to inspire others to join their conversations. The audience, including students, teachers, parents, scientists and researchers voted for five People’s Choice Awards, which were recognised with a certificate, a medal, and a Foxwell SSC canteen voucher. The winners of the People’s Choice Awards are:

Chayla Ngatupuna, Year 7: Chayla investigated whether thimerosal, which is a chemical found in vaccines, could actually lead to autism in young children.

Summer Taylor, Year 7: Summer designed an underwater rover that can collect microplastics in the ocean which would otherwise harm marine life.

Alexie Paza, Year 7: Alexie’s inquiry was about the long-term impacts of using 3D printed bone implants instead of natural bone grafts in the medical field.

Amritha Ravipati, Year 7: Amritha investigated the harmful effects of NOVA ultra-processed foods, such as chips, on the chemical imbalances in our brain.

Haylie Martin, Year 8: Haylie researched Congenital Heart Disease, a heart abnormality that develops before birth. Specifically, she investigated the effects of the disease in children and adolescents

One student in each of Year 7 and Year 8 was selected to receive the SPIRIT of STEM Award, based on their thorough understanding of the STEM inquiry process, their project’s reflection of the global competency of Citizenship, 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 voucher sponsored by Westfield Coomera. The winners of the SPIRIT of STEM Award are:

Mia Szkoruda, Year 7: Mia investigated the extent to which people would like her home-made cookies that reduced environmental impact by replacing wheat, palm oil and cocoa beans with more sustainable ingredients. She showed exemplary Perseverance as she worked through what for her were overwhelming challenges digitally, socially, and emotionally, to create an extraordinary presentation in front of a crowd. She showed Integrity in the quality of her STEM understanding and Responsibility in her care for the environment. Well done Mia.

Kailah Young, Year 8: Kailah investigated how personality traits can affect memory retention when learning in different environments. She tested a range of adults to see if they displayed more introverted or extroverted characteristics. She then had them complete memory tests in loud and quiet environments to see if this effected their memory. Kailah displayed all SPIRIT values throughout her investigation. In particular, Kailah was Inclusive and Respectful when supporting her participants in tests that, at times, could be nerve-racking.  She was non-judgemental and professional, an important skill when conducting social experiments. Well done, Kailah.