Messages from the Science Department

Genius Olympiads

The Genius Olympiads were held in Oswego, New York in June. Aleyna Sahin was invited to participate in the Science category of the competition. Over 700 entrants from around the world participated in this category. This project was completed under the watchful eye of Mr. Jamie Astill, who spent many extra hours along with Aleyna, preparing her for the competition. The Genius Olympiads were held on the 12th-15th of June. The project, which Aleyna completed as part of her Year 8 Science Research Elective studies in 2016 received an honourable mention. The once in a lifetime experience on the State University of New York (Oswego) campus also included a whole group trip to the awe inspiring Niagra Falls. What an amazing opportunity for Aleyna, and an even more fitting reward for all her hard work.

Greetings all.

Happy Science Week to everyone! This year’s theme is “Future Earth”, with a focus on the advancement of global sustainability science. We’ve got load of activities planned this week, including our annual Science Fair Day, so stay tuned for announcements throughout the week.

So far, we’ve had a busy term in Science Research Elective!

We would like to welcome Mr Ahmet Esgin who comes from Ege University, and is working with us in our Science Research CREST (CREativity in Science and Technology) elective; he is sharing his knowledge and experience with us.

Welcome to Sirius College!

Science Talent Search

Most students who have successfully completed their CREST projects from the beginning of the elective have had their projects submitted to the Science Teachers Association of Victoria “Science Talent Search” Competition. Teachers (including Mrs Figen Yavuz, Mr William Phelps and myself) have judged student projects from all over Victoria, and our students will find out on the 9th October if they have won prizes, and if their project has been selected for the BHP Biliton National Science Competition. We will keep you posted.

CREST Silver Awards

Congratulations to the following students whose 2016 Science Research Elective projects have been assessed by CSIRO CREST and have now been awarded Silver CREST awards:

• Russel Alrubaiey and Beria Gunduz for their project titled: “The development and analysis of eco-friendly pharaoh's stones using Australian materials.”
• Selin Dursun for her project titled: “Hot, warm or cold brewed Australian teas – are they effective antibacterial agents?”
• Aleyna Sahin for her project titled: “Antibacterial properties of water and ethanol soluble extracts from Australian native trees.”
• Baltool Zehra and Fatima Mirza (past student) for their project titled: “Construction of a hydroponics and transpiration chamber, for the irrigation and capture of transpired water from plants.”
• Mariyam Hussain for her project titled: “Extraction of agar from Australian seaweed using domestic equipment for horticultural use.”
• Tasneem Mohiddin for her project titled: “Can a natural additive be added to wool when rinsed to make it more comfortable to wear?”

Congratulations girls for all of your hard work, and for support from their teachers; Fatima El-Wasni and Dr Arshad Mahmood.

The girls’ CREST certificates and silver medallions will arrive soon.

Genius Olympiad

Aleyna Sahin’s project was selected as a finalist at the prestigious Genius Olympiad in Syracuse New York. She went with her Mother and Miss Inass Fayad for two weeks and won an Honorary Mention Award. This was a very tough competition, where about 50% of entries do not make it to the final selection stage. Congratulations Aleyna - we are very proud of your efforts!

Thank you to Miss Inass Fayad for taking Aleyna to New York and Mrs Hisu Lee for her expert advice with her competition poster.

Please read Miss Fayad’s article for experiences and insights into this fantastic trip.