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Journeys in Science: A Wonderous World
If ever there was a project to open up the world of science to curious young minds, then last term’s Wonderous World Project was it! The brainchild of Blair Odom, Glen Waverley’s Head of Science and Technology in the IB Primary Years Program, the project created an opportunity for our younger girls to explore a science topic under the guidance of a like-minded student mentor from the Senior School.
Conducted over eight weeks in Term 2, the project started by pairing mentors from Years 11 and 12 with 26 girls from Years 1 to 4 with an interest in science. Mentors met with their buddies to discuss topics of interest and spent the next few weeks doing research. The last three weeks were busy putting their presentations together with all the information they found.
Here three of those mentors, Year 12 students Lauren Mayhood, Ting Luo and Chloe Scholes share their experiences and speak to our new President of the College Council, astrophysicist Professor Rachel Webster AO.
'We all really enjoyed the project and learnt a lot. As mentors, we had a lot of fun with our Junior School buddies and learnt how to guide them without doing all the work for them. We were happy to research any science topic they wanted to learn about and read books about it together. Some pairs also did activities relating to their chosen topic, such as making slime or growing crystals, which was definitely a highlight for both the younger kids and the mentors. One of the best parts of the project was the freedom given to the Junior School girls to choose their own topic.
The experience was unique in that it not only focused on the exploration of scientific concepts, but also harnessed the curiosity of both mentors and mentees. It challenged us all to do things outside our comfort zone. As mentors, we learnt how to be flexible and how to rediscover the true wonder in our world, matching the enthusiasm of the younger girls.'
The final presentation was held in the last week of term. After eight weeks of research and preparation, the girls proudly presented their work with their mentors. The energy and excitement shown as they presented their findings was reflected by parents, siblings, teachers and special guest, Professor Rachel Webster AO, astrophysicist and the new President of our College Council.
'You never know what’s going to turn you on to science' - Professor Rachel Webster AO
'With the help of Mia Sun (Year 4) and Safiya Huq (Year 3), we were fortunate to interview Professor Webster and hear her thoughts on the Wonderous World project, women in STEM, the development of their role and treatment in the world of science, and above all, the importance of young girls pursing their interest and passion for science.'
Reflecting on the Wonderous World project, Professor Webster noted ‘You never know what’s going to turn you on to science. If you never explore open-ended projects, you’ll never find one that you’re passionate about,’ she said, highlighting the benefits in allowing young students to follow their curiosity, as this opens pathways to further passions and careers in the physical sciences.
With such a remarkable career and many amazing experiences under her belt (including, much to our dismay, being part of the team to exclude Pluto as a planet!), Professor Webster discussed her own pathway into the physical sciences, which included taking part in a project much like the Wonderous World, which was ‘when I decided I was going to be a scientist.’
Professor Webster also provided guidance to our own aspiring scientists about how to become part of the scientific community. She advised students ‘not be scared of not always being right’ or finding the physical sciences hard, as ‘it’s only a matter of deciding you’re going to study them.’
Her parting words for all students thinking about learning the sciences was simple: ‘Do it. Definitely do it!’