Zoe Vogels, veterinarian and part time cartoonist, made us aware of the graphic novel, ‘The Invisible War – A Tale on Two Scales’ which is an illustrated science-history graphic novel exploring parallel experiences during WWI. This was a brilliant resource to support the Year 9 Body Systems unit on disease as the story takes place on two different physical scales - the macro-scale, from the point of view of a Victorian nurse supporting troops in the trenches of the Western Front - and simultaneously on the micro-level, from the point of view of the gut microbes which fight to keep her body alive when she contracts dysentery. Students could readily identify the phage, neutrophips, shigella, mucous and the 1st and 2nd lines of the body’s defense against bacteria. This was a realistic tale of a battle on several fronts that can be replicated on disease battlefields in both humans and animals worldwide and a well received resource. Inspired by The Invisible War students were then challenged to produce a research grid poster on microbes from the human microbiome. The Year 7/8 Kitchen Garden students had a big day in the existing garden behind the old science building as they had to relocate numerous plants, garden frames and soil. The students worked hard with Gabby and Julie Broomhall to relocate herbs including thyme and rosemary, leeks, garlic, beetroot and rhubarb. Great job guys! The challenge was issued as “Game Changers and Change Makers” was the theme of National Science Week 2018 at our annual P- 6 Family Science Night. Over 90 people attended our junior school science event which showcased students’ projects on ‘Inventions, Inventors or Technology that changed the world’ with the grand prize of a Samsung Galaxy Tab 2. Projects as diverse as an artificial womb, penicillin, the Airbus, bows, solar power, hydroelectricity, and computers were on display with prizes awarded during family games which matched inventions with inventors and other science based quests. The TAP was proud to invite guest speaker, Richard Ziegeler, from Richard Ziegeler Therapeutics, who introduced students to prosthetics and described the types of limbs he fits to patients and the way the prosthetics are built to enhance an amputee’s life. Tim Foster, from Greg Allan Farm Machinery, outlined the way driverless tractors are being incorporated into farming around the world and demonstrated the ease of operation they will provide to farmers and contractors. Judging of the various projects proved to be very difficult with following the prizes awarded- People’s Choice Award - Eliza Poustie ARTIFICIAL WOMB Presenter Award - Olivia McKenna ALL TERRAIN WHEELCHAIR Equal 3rd - Ned and Beau Mackieson FLIGHT and Ruby Haugh BLACK BOX, 2nd - Finn Baxter AUTOMOBILES,1st - Thea and Zane Vogels PASTEURISATION Thank you to everyone who participated in the event and to our creative Science teachers! Ex Timboon P-12 student and local vet Peter Younis, was invited into the Year 10 Homegroup session ‘World of work’ to help students investigate potential pathways and careers under the TAP umbrella of connecting into our community. Pete described the mentors who guided him and outlined his career path including the variety of tasks he did not ever think he would be involved in as a young vet including working overseas, teaching students and being involved in world class genetics technology. Pete encouraged students to be involved in community activities such as sports clubs or volunteering with service clubs like the Surf Club or CFA and to gain part time employment. He suggested that these traits indicated a sense of team work, responsibility, initiative and experience and he placed more emphasis on these than a high ATAR score when considering resumes of potential employees. Pete then challenged students to choose a career or pathway that really excited or interested them and the importance of continuing to learn and educate yourself. Great career advice for any pathway. |
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February 2024
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