In2science was thrilled to once again be invited to attend the annual Science Expo at partner school Hume Central Secondary College. Held over two days at two campuses, the expo showcases science projects from the year 9 students. Our mentors, as well as special guests from CSL and Farmwall, were invited to judge the Most Scientific and Best Communication awards, and to share their own experience of working in STEM.
Organiser Chris Egan, Science and STEAM leader at Hume Central Secondary College, had this to say about the event:
“Our Year 9 students became the teachers recently, showcasing their impressive science experiments to an audience of younger students from year 7 and year 5/6 students from Broadmeadows Primary and real-world scientists. What started as a classroom project transformed into an exciting day of discovery and inspiration.
The professional scientists weren’t just polite observers – they were genuinely impressed! The visiting scientists were thrilled to see the depth of scientific thinking and genuine curiosity our students displayed. Our students turned the tables asking thoughtful questions about how they became scientists, what drives their research, and what advice they’d give to young people interested in science careers.
Days like these do more than just showcase academic achievement. They build confidence, spark career aspirations, and show students that science isn’t just about textbooks – it’s about curiosity, discovery, and making a real difference in the world. The enthusiasm was contagious, and we couldn’t be prouder of how our year 9 scientists represented themselves and our school community!”
The participants from In2science had some extremely positive feedback to share about their experience.
Himanya (left), a Bachelor of Biomedical Science student from Deakin University, said, “It was inspiring to see how confidently the students explained their projects and how well they engaged with us while sharing their ideas. Their creativity, teamwork, and ability to communicate science in simple but powerful ways really stood out. I also enjoyed sharing my university journey with the students and encouraging them to keep pursuing their curiosity.”
The University of Melbourne Masters of Environmental Science student Laura said, “The science expo demonstrated that passionate teachers create passionate students that are capable of scientific pursuits! The year 9 students understood and presented their science projects with confidence and knowledge. I was amazed at the variety of projects and in awe of the staff who are so supportive and inspiring to the students. The culture of the school was really highlighted, with students (both primary and secondary) being engaged and interested in science!”
Kaynie (right), studying a Bachelor of Science/Master of Teaching at Deakin University, said, “It was an amazing experience for me. It encouraged students and their passion as well as let everyone see the significance of STEM industry around us. The power of education will contribute to empower the future of STEM.”
Finally, Ahalya, also studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Deakin University, said, “The science expo was fantastic, demonstrating year 9 students’ technical skill and excitement for discovery through models and analogies that provided a real-world example of how science plays an important role in everyday life. The event gave an opportunity for both students and student volunteers to learn, teach, and develop. I hope that these students’ interest leads them down STEM pathways, as they may become future researchers, mentors, educators, and changemakers. As a STEM student, I was proud to share my academic knowledge and learn from this incredible journey.”
Sounds like a fantastic two days engaging with STEM! In2science would like to thank organiser Chris Egan for inviting us to be part of the expo, and The University of Melbourne for supporting our mentors attending. We look forward to joining again next year!
If you would like your school to be part of In2science, reach out to us today!
