Science Talent Search Competition 2020 (organised by the Science Teachers Association of Victoria)
It has been a busy and challenging year for the CSIRO CREST elective during the COVID-19 lockdown. Our Eastmeadows Campus CREST students have risen to the challenge and have been working on their projects from home under trying circumstances with grit and dedication. Well done students!
A big thank you to Mr Alexander Lowdin for his work in CREST, and to our EMC Maintenance staff for bringing the lab to our budding scientists by delivering project materials and equipment to students’ homes via the school buses.
CREST students who successfully completed CSIRO CREST science research projects in 2019 had their research projects entered into the state Science Talent Search Competition 2020, organised by Science Teachers Association of Victoria (STAV).
Sirius College students were very successful this year, with all who participated in the Experimental Research Division receiving awards donated from industry sponsors, totalling $2440.
Our students were presented their awards at the Science Talent Search Presentation day at the Eastmeadows and Meadow Fair Campuses on Monday 16th November 2020 via a Zoom presentation hosted by STAV, instead of the traditional La Trobe University event due to lockdown restrictions.
As judges and moderators for the Intermediate Experimental Research Division, Mr Alex and I agree that the quality of Sirius College students’ overall work was excellent, and students should feel proud of their efforts. Novel projects were built on good science, followed with good communication in their reports.
The awards, ranked highest to lowest are as follows:
Here are the winners:
Junior Experimental Research Division
Name: Sidra Khan
Project title: Does essential oil infused and dried cotton buds prevent bacterial growth?
Award: Major Bursary Award $250 (sponsored by Rowe Scientific Pty Ltd)
Name: Mahnoor Imran
Project title: Gum rosin prevents pest growth on plants, but does it harm the plants?
Award: Minor Bursary Award $180 (sponsored by Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research)
Name: Katie Lau
Project title: Are libraries and bacterial hazard?
Award: Distinction Award
Names: Faiza Iqbal Afrin and Zeynab Dawood
Project title: Using glue to make smooth decalcomania paintings
Award: Distinction Award
Intermediate Experimental Research Division
Name: Tooba Irfan
Project title: Comparison of edible packaging films extracted from citrus fruits
Award: Major Bursary Award $350 (sponsored by Rowe Scientific Pty Ltd)
Name: Sophia Dadan
Project title: Testing the antibacterial properties of various Wattles steeped in solutions
Award: Major Bursary Award $350 (sponsored by The BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards, managed by CSIRO)
Names: Mashal Hussain and Fatima Moussa
Project title: The use of commercial based calcium and nitrogen fertilisers to grow Dendrobium orchids faster
Award: Distinction
Open Experimental Research Division
Names: Aleyna Sahin and Selin Isik
Project title: Antibacterial properties of Australian orchid petals
Award: Merit Award
A copy of the STS 2020 Bursary Book can be downloaded here:
http://www.sciencevictoria.com.au/sts/documents/STSBursaryBook_2020.online.pdf
Congratulations to our winners who worked so hard on their projects, and a reminder to all Bursary Award winners to write a thank you letter to your generous sponsors – it’s a STS tradition!
BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards 2020
Sidra Khan’s CREST project was one of three Victorian winners selected by the STS committee for entry into the prestigious national BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards. She will be notified of her results early in the new year and we wish her the best of luck!
To all the staff and students who have made CREST possible in 2020 – I thank you all.
Be safe and well during your holidays.
Mr Jamie Astill