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Nov 02 2015
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Events around Melbourne: November 2015

By | Events

The year might be winding up, but there’s still plenty of events and competitions happening throughout November to keep you busy!

LOGO_IYS_en_PrintDirty Secrets

When: Now until 24 November
Where: LAB-14 Gallery, Carlton Connect, 700 Swanston St, Carlton VIC 3053
Cost: Free

Have we forgotten to consider the soil as living and breathing, as the source of our food and many life saving pharmaceuticals, a contributor to our physical and psychological wellbeing, an important store of carbon, and water purifier?

Celebrating International Year of Soils, Dirty Secrets uncovers the hidden curiosities buried in soil. It encourages a deeper search for our connection to the land and its importance to our survival.

Read more.

Engineering & Information Technology showcase 2015

When: Wednesday 25 November, 5:30-9pm
Where: Union Hall, La Trobe University, Bundoora VIC 3083
Cost: Free

La Trobe University have a longstanding history in innovation. Get a sneak peek into the future by attending the 24th Annual Engineering & Information Technology Showcase on Wednesday November 25 – highlighting the very best student projects from a variety of Engineering and IT disciplines.

Read more.

IYL_Logo_ColorVertSwinburne ‘See the light’ competition

When: 25 October – 27 November
Where: Victoria
Cost: Free

The International Year of Light is a worldwide celebration of all things light, from the technologies that use it and that make our 21st century way of life possible, to the wonders of what light reveals of the universe around us.

Swinburne University of Technology wants to know what you think is amazing about light and we want you to show it in your school science lab. Victorian high school students (years 7-10) are invited to conduct and record an experiment that investigates something that they find interesting or inspiring about light. In the short video, the students should explain the experiment and what it shows about the amazing nature of light. The best entry in each category will win $250 to be shared by the student(s) and $500 for their school to use as they choose.

Read more.

ConocoPhillips Science Experience

When: Over three days in January 2016
Where: University of Melbourne, Parkville, and RMIT University, Melbourne CBD
Cost: $120

The ConocoPhillips Science Experience is returning to the University of Melbourne (13-15 January) and RMIT University (19-21 January) for the summer. This hands-on program gives year 9 and 10 students a chance to experience science topics under the guidance of passionate scientists.

Application close in December. Read more.

Impossible Climate: Safe Climate Restoration Under the Microscope

When: Wednesday 4 November, 6-8:30pm
Where: Ground floor, 700 Swanston Street, Carlton VIC 3053
Cost: Free

Advocacy for the restoration of a safe climate calls for solutions that the world does not currently possess.. The central question remains ‘is safe climate restoration possible and, if not, what level of action is now morally defensible and yet practically achievable?’ Join Breakthrough for this special forum to examine and critique the recently published discussion paper StrikingTargets, with author Philip Sutton.

Read more.

Sep 29 2015
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Events around Melbourne: October 2015

By | Events

In2science’s partner universities are holding a range of engaging, inspiring and thought-provoking events throughout October. With Melbourne Knowledge Week running from 19-25 October, there’s even more events to get stuck into!

Professor Andrew Greentree from RMIT University.

Professor Andrew Greentree from RMIT University.

Seeing into the body, one photon at a time

When: Wednesday 30 September, 6:30-8:00pm
Where: Building 80, Level 7, Room 1, RMIT University, Melbourne VIC 3000
Cost: Free

Light is vital to life. To best understand and use light, we must understand its classical and quantum aspects. Light surrounds us, heats us, feeds us, and for most of us it guides us. But because it is so universal, we often take it for granted.

In this talk, Professor Andrew Greentree will give an introduction to the quantum mechanical properties of light and introduce the particle of light – the photon. He will demonstrate some of the surprising results that arise from applying quantum mechanics. He will also introduce some of the techniques being used in the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics to generate new ‘windows into the body’ to understand the physics of life.

Read more.

 

Fifty Years of Space Technology at the University of Melbourne

When: Monday 5 October, 5:30-7:30pm
Where: Brown Theatre, Electronic and Electrical Engineering Building, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3052
Cost: Free

Australia’s first satellite was built by engineering students at the University of Melbourne. Fifty years later, a new group of students are looking to built the university’s second satellite. Join current and former students for an enlightening discussion about these projects and how the University of Melbourne makes their way to space.

Read more.

 

Quantum Mechanics Made Easy-ish

When: Monday 19 October, 8:00-9:15pm
Where: Croft Institute, Croft Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Cost: $14

Baffled by quantum mechanics? Congratulations, you’re doing it right! This Laneway Learning class will show you the 20th century’s most reality-shaking theory in action, and tell you the things we do know and the things that not even Einstein thought made sense.

Presented by physicist and science communicator Chris Lassig, this special Laneway Learning class for Melbourne Knowledge week will give you an easy-ish understanding of quantum mechanics.

Read more.

 

 Science without research, education without teaching: alternative careers Q&A panel

When: Wednesday 21 October, 6:00-7:30pm
Where: Kaleide Theatre, Building 80, RMIT University, Melbourne VIC 3000
Cost: Free

Love science, but don’t want to go into research? Adore education, but not sure if teaching is for you? Join a panel of special guests with diverse and inspiring careers for a special Q&A forum and pick their brains about how they transformed their careers into something different from the norm.

This In2science professional development session is open for all to register and join in.

Read more.

 

What-if-lecture-series-logoWhat if the safety of your food could never be assured?

When: Tuesday 27 October, 7:00-8:30pm
Where: Hawthorn Community Precinct, 584 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
Cost: Free

How do we manage a safe food supply? Are some practices more risky than others? How do we make decisions about the food we consume; for example, should we drink raw milk?

Presented by Swinburne University of Technology and hosted by the City of Boroondara Library Service, this highly engaging talk showcases the exciting research and activities that Swinburne staff and students are working on right now.

Read more.

 

Sep 08 2015
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Meet a mentor: Shaurya Nagpal

By | Profiles

In2science mentor Shaurya Nagpal outside Mill Park CollegeShaurya Nagpal

What are you studying? I am studying a double degree in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) (Hons) and Business (International Business) at RMIT University. I like my course because it provides me with insights into both the engineering and business industries. The problem solving skills I learn from the engineering side are transferable to the business side which is useful. Every day in class we go through a different problem which constantly challenges me and keeps me engaged.

Tell us about your In2science placement: So far I’ve been involved in two placements at Mill Park Secondary College. In2science has now become something to look forward to during the week. I like to think that I’m showing the students that working in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field is more interesting than they may have previously thought.

Why did you become an In2science mentor? I believed In2science would be a great way to share my experiences and help develop my own communication and public speaking skills. I quickly realised my contributions had the potential to change the students’ outlook on STEM. Hopefully this will lead to more scientists, engineers and mathematicians in the world.

What’s the best thing about In2science? The most enjoyable experience I have had so far was helping a student grasp the concept of photosynthesis, which was tripping them up.

What’s the worst thing about In2science? When you have no idea what’s going on. The first class I was in was studying biology. Let’s just say biology is my Achilles heel!

What inspired you to study engineering? My work experience at GM Holden In year 10 consolidated my interest in engineering. Can’t say much more about it because secrets and stuff.

 What do you want to do after you finish university? After university I would like to become a business advisor for technology companies. It’s a constantly changing field so there will never be a boring day at work.

 If you could have an hour to chat with any scientist/mathematician, who would it be and why? Nikola Tesla, for inventing alternating current electricity supply systems and because he was a badass!

Aug 17 2015
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Meet a mentor: Shelley Haslett

By | Profiles

Shelley Haslett

Profile picture of mentor Shelley HaslettWhat are you studying? I’m doing a Bachelor Applied Science (Food Technology and Nutrition) at RMIT University. I really enjoy studying food because it is something really important that we deal with in our everyday lives, often without thinking about it. I love to cook and eat: understanding the science behind cooking takes it to a whole new level of delicious!

Tell us about your In2science placement: I am in my second semester at Glen Eira College. I have really enjoyed getting to know the students and hearing about the things they are interested in. It has also been a really great experience to join in on the practical classes and help the students to really think about what is going on, not just follow the instructions on the sheet.

Why did you become an In2science mentor? I became a mentor because it sounded like a really good opportunity to be involved in the community. I also felt that if I had had a peer mentor in my high school science class I might have actually paid a bit more attention and realised how interesting, fun and relevant science actually is to our everyday lives.

What’s the best thing about In2science? The students. It is so great to see young people who are enthusiastic about the possibilities in their future, science or not.

What’s the worst thing about In2science? When the classes are on something I have no idea about! Like geology – I don’t ever remember taking a geology class, but now I have. The students taught me a lot!

Who inspired you to study science? My inspirations are Heston Blumenthal and Jamie Oliver: Heston because he does some amazing, crazy, fun things with food, and Jamie because he’s really into sustainability and giving back to the community.

What do you want to do after you finish university and why? I really want to be involved in the development of food products that are sustainable from the moment they are planted to the moment they are eaten. This is so important because of the expanding population and decrease in farming land – basically I want to feed the world.

If you could have an hour to chat with any scientist, who would it be and why? Jane Goodall. She has been so immersed and passionate about her work for such a long period of time. She would have some amazing stories to tell!

Aug 10 2015
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New funding for In2science

By | News

In2science is excited to be back up and running in 2015 with four partner universities in Victoria.

Supported by the Federal Department of Education and Training through the Australian Maths and Science Partnerships Programme, In2science has refined its focus to working with year 8 and 9 science classes in Victorian schools.

Re-engaging university partners

La Trobe University, The University of Melbourne, RMIT University and Swinburne University of Technology have re-joined the In2science program in 2015.

Across the four universities, it is hoped more than 60 volunteer mentors will be placed in 16 schools during semester 2 2015.