2013 University of Sunshine Coast Science Investigation Awards
If you ever want your green pool fixed Aldridge Year 12 student Margie Burstow is the person to see. Margie blew the judges away with her extensive knowledge of pool water equilibrium reactions to win the Fraser Coast Senior Scientist of the Year at the University of Sunshine Coast Science Investigation Awards hosted by Xavier College recently.
The awards assess intensive extended experimental investigations Year 11 and 12 Science students are required to complete as part of the new syllabuses in Science. A culmination of approximately eight weeks of work, this involves students posing a hypothesis and completing a comprehensive investigation to answer that question. Judges assessed entries on the quality of their written and visual content as well as their oral communication. The rigorous process sees students really put to the test when they are interviewed by local scientists and science teachers.
Alanis Little was awarded second prize in the Year 11 category for her outstanding work studying the water quality of Ululah Lagoon. Her results and analysis were part of a long term study into the health of Ululah that Aldridge Chemistry students have been conducting since 2000. Brandon Lowe took out third place in the Year 12 division for his investigation into the optimum conditions required to maximise the range of a medieval trebuchet.
“This is a great opportunity for students not only to interact with professional scientists, but also to extend themselves and receive recognition for their hard work. I am very proud of all students, particularly Margie whose articulate and thorough knowledge of her field made her the convincing winner,” said Science Head of Department Iain Carson.
As well as Aldridge State High School, other Fraser Coast schools involved included Xavier, Fraser Coast Anglican College, Maryborough High, Urangan High and Riverside.
Receiving their awards: Krissy, Alanis, Margie & Brandon with their teacher Mr Carson