The recent ‘International Day of Women and Girls in Science’ saw local students embrace the opportunity to learn more about research activities.
The science labs at The Ladies’ College were buzzing with students keen to learn more about analysing genetic profiles, measuring food waste, examining dental health, studying emotional wellbeing, and more.
The College has highlighted those students who are undertaking self-directed research, exploring areas of personal interest and developing valuable investigative skills that extend beyond the classroom.
These include Year 12 student Daisy who worked alongside younger Melrose students to research ways to reduce food waste in the school cafeteria. Together, they designed a study combining surveys with daily waste measurements to better understand consumption patterns.
“We started with a survey to find out what students like and dislike,” explained Daisy. “Then they weighed the food waste every day. These results fit together really well. We’re also going to look at alternative food containers that are more sustainable.”
Science Pioneer Pathway students Edie and Chloe spent time conducting research into the impact of therapy dogs on students’ wellbeing.
“We’re researching the effect that therapy dogs have on mood in secondary school students,” they said. “We’re hoping to get a group of Year 8 students to try sessions with the College Counsellor’s dog. We have a form for them to fill out before and after to find out their mood. It has lots of questions such as how distracted and anxious they are feeling.”
Izzy and Tara, who are also Science Pioneer Pathway students, were investigating the relationship between genetics, sleep patterns and productivity. Their project involves DNA testing, data collection and analysis of concentration and memory.
“We tested DNA to identify whether individuals are ‘larks’ or ‘owls’. We then monitored sleep habits, focus levels and memory using an app and a memory game. It has been interesting to see how scientific research can be applied to everyday life.”
Year 11 student Charlie has undertaken an extracurricular project examining the effects of commonly consumed drinks on tooth enamel, supporting her ambition to pursue a career in dentistry.
She said the project was really useful for her future plans.
“I measured the pH of commonly drunk drinks and tested how they affected teeth. Baby teeth were placed in the drinks for a week and then I measured changes in mass. I also used a microscope to take before and after photos to compare the appearance of the teeth. I really want to be a dentist so having a project like this, hopefully it can be submitted for a Crest Award.”
Karen Marshall, Head of Science at the Ladies’ College, said these projects are all supported by a teaching approach, called Pathways, that prioritises independence, enquiry and intellectual confidence. Students are encouraged to identify areas of interest and develop research questions that are meaningful to them.
“International Women and Girls in Science Day reflects what we see in our classrooms and laboratories every day. Our students are curious, brave and bursting with ideas, and I absolutely love watching them take the lead in their own research projects. They choose what fascinates them, they ask big questions and they aren’t afraid to experiment, explore and sometimes even fail along the way. Seeing their confidence grow as they realise they belong in science and can shape its future is incredibly special.”