Seeds of Science: STEM Takes Centre Stage at Rivergum

by Liesel Joosten, Teacher, Rivergum Christian College

Science was the hero at our STEM Showcase for Science Week. Highlighting our students' work—particularly in biology—over the last semester.

Following this year's National Science Week theme, 'Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge for All', the students presented everything from grass-head “people “made by the Foundation–Year 2 class to a water salinity experiment exhibited by Year 11/12 Biology.

The Year 3/4s brought out their composting kits, complete with a worm farm, while the Year 5/6 class designed and amazed us all with their 3D-printed greenhouses.

Year 7 students presented their beautiful crystals detailing their work on chemical compounds, including experimental procedures and results. Meanwhile, Year 8 made fossils, learnt about soil layers, and presented their findings on animal and plant cells with plasticene models.

The Year 9 class displayed the 'anatomy of cells' they had created from modelling clay—labelling and colour-coding the components to demonstrate their construction—alongside an amazing water wheel investigation.

Year 10 Science presented the aquaponics setup they designed and built, highlighting how they monitored water quality and nutrient cycles to successfully grow a harvest of fresh vegetables.

The Aviation team displayed their planes and demonstrated their plane construction. The aircraft were flown around a centrifugal thrust generator - it was fantastic to witness the students' unique designs zooming around so effectively.

Our Hydrogen Car teams had their vehicles on display ahead of their big race at the F2 Grand Prix the following week. Overall, the evening was a wonderful community event enjoyed by all who attended!