Science

Experience it! Engineering Challenge Day for Girls

During the holidays, a few Yr 8-10 girls attended a Student Workshop day offered by Sydney University. It involved a welcome from the Chair of the Women in Engineering Society, Varuna Fernando, and Greg Ewing, General Manager, Institute of Engineers Australia. Each spoke of the importance of getting more women involved in the industry, what engineering is and isn’t and the statistics of perhaps why so few women apply. Susana Jimenez outlined her journey from high school to Civil Engineer working on the West Connex upgrade. Student workshops included finding solutions to problems, using laser cut robots to complete actions such as picking up boxes and balls, critical thinking in designing a straw bridge to hold a 1kg mass, designing and building a floating house to a budget based on limited resources and to make a pulse tracker to monitor a heart. The day finished up with a panel of industry experts and student engineers facilitating student questions.

Ella Delaney: “I initially wasn’t sure about going because I didn’t know much about Engineering. I enjoy Maths and Science and am a creative person, so can see myself combining all of these skills in one of the Engineering fields. My personality is drawn to helping people and I am fascinated by the way Engineers find solutions to everyday problems. I see it as a powerful way to make a difference and change communities.“

Emily Webb: “I really enjoyed Experience It! and thought it was very worthwhile. The activities were quite easy but I had attended other engineering and science events before. If another girl was thinking of doing it, I would say just go for it and try it out.”

If anyone is interested in Engineering then check out the various talks and scholarships offered by Sydney University.

Science Week

National Science week is being celebrated at Redlands during Week 4 of this term and there are a number of events aimed at stimulating interest in our community. These include:

• an Ooblek pool in Liggin’s quad on Tuesday lunchtime but you will have to come along to find out what this is
• Yr 7 classes will be seeing stars in the Planetarium on Wednesday
• Breakfast with a Scientist on Thursday 7.45-10.10am where our parent scientists talk about their careers. A reminder that students must register as it means they will miss their Period 1 and 2 that day. 
• Guest speakers on Genetics, Gravity and a Vivid display

Science and English

A great opportunity for those students interested in Science and writing. Click here for more details. 

Ms Sarah Harrisson
Head of Science
sharrisson@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9833