Stage 5 Science Fair

On Friday 28 August, students in Stage 5 (Year 9) presented their investigations from their Student Research Project during an in-school Science Fair. The Science Fair was an opportunity for them to present their findings to the rest of the College.

The project tasked students with forming an investigation of their choice in pairs or individually with one variable that is measurable and within a time frame of 3-4 weeks. They also had to ensure the investigation was safe, ethical, and easily measurable.

Year 7 and 8 were invited to participate in the Fair and were given cards with prompting questions to ask each stall. Presenting students knew they would be questioned and had to be prepared to answer any questions on the spot.

One student’s investigations involved microbiology, as he tested to see if the ‘5 second rule’ was accurate. Using a cotton swab, he timed how long it was in contact with the carpeted ground in time periods of 1, 5, 10 and 60 seconds. He then placed each cotton swab on an agar plate to examine if any bacteria or fungi had latched onto the cotton bud. From his findings, he concluded that the ‘5 second rule’ is inaccurate, after observing growing bacteria on each swab from 5 seconds and up. He also compared his findings to other research and found that other studies emphasised that the growth of bacteria on materials is more dependent on location than time.

Some other student investigations included a study on the effect of emotional stimuli on the growth of plants, the impact of running surface on a ‘beep test’ score, the impact of different liquids on one’s singing voice, and the effect of food on heart rates. Each student also had to compare their findings to other research on the subject, and in preparation for the Science Fair, complete a risk-assessment.

It wasn’t only the students who presented at the Science Fair. Mr Ibanez also did a physics demonstration using a DIY Wave Machine made with barbecue sticks and gummy bears, engagingly illustrating transverse wave motion.

The aim of the Student Research Project and Science Fair was to promote inquiry as a pedagogical focus, as well as student interest in scientific investigations.