1998 School Magazine

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Girls Grammar ^iconol ;!artsbane 1998

program - Zoe Hitdebrand (12M), Vivien Stewart <12G), and Katy Gibson (IZE) - with QIJT providing scholarships for each of the girls for their HECS fees. An three did exceptionally well in their first semester examinations rindepe, ,de"t Rese"rcb Prqjects fin Chemistry - In Year Twelve Chemistry, each student undertakes an in-depth prac- tical investigation into a topic of her own choosing. These projects help illustrate each student's abilities as an in depend- ent learner. We see the evidence of the development of various cognitive and metacognitive abilities from throughout their schooling which allows them to actively process information, attach personal meaning to learning activities, and plan and regulate their learning activities. This year we are creating a journal, which will contain many of the papers generated from the student research projects. The ability to be able to coriumu- incate in a variety of settings is essential in a person's develop- merit, and it is hoped that in years to come the journal may become the vehicle for many students to realise their first publication. it is possible, with the Science Faculty's close ties with the Australian Science Teachers' Journal, that some of these papers could be published in a recognised journal. Some of the topics this year include "The amounts of He ary Metals in More ton Bay", "The Effect of Light and Temperature on the Vitamin C Content in Orange Juice", "The Cheriitstry of Honey", "\;ahat Makes a Good Red Wine", and "The Effect of Concentration and Temperature on Liesegang's Rings". With so many topics of a challenging nature, links have been created with the Queensland University of Techaology, Brisbane City Council, and the University of Queensland to assist the students in getting the most meaningful results out of their projects scneNCE FOR Youl'us me Art/i, I Scientists Show - On Wednesday, August 19, the Aruml Scientists came to BGGS with their travelling science education enterprise. Year Nine students were treated to an exciting and infonnative presentation about electricity and magnetism entitled The Nuts and Bolts of Run and Volts. Year Eight students attended another thrilling show based on liquids and gases called Fluid Scie"ce. Both programs were aimed at extending students' understanding of fundamental scientffic concepts. I""for S"minit - One thousand children from 134 different countries all over the world were selected to participate in the Junior SUITrrnit on-line forum. The aim of the forum is to discuss how children can contribute to the world today and the advantages and disadvantages of coriumunication by the Inter- net. The on-line forum started on I September and in November 100 students were selected to attend a discussion with world leaders in Cambridge, Massachussets, USA. Successful appli- cants from BGGS are Madelaine Young <9W), Theresa Pan <9B), Rachael Harmlton <9B), and Genevieve Thornson GE). Cm N@t, 0",, I Yo"tb Scte"ce Forum - This forum is a career-orientated youth program for Year Eleven students interested in science. Students apply to a Rotary Club and undergo a rigorous selection process. it they are successful,

between students from BGGS and their guests, there was also a variety of interactions between the YearTen students and their teachers, as the students questioned their beliefs and under- standings of what was occurring in various reactions Since the completion of the event we have already received thank you letters and cards from the various primary schools which participated in the Expo. A thank you must be made to the Year Ten students and their teachers for their efforts through the week of the Expo INTERACTmG until 'lit" RFAl. VORros Worne" of NASA Prqject - At present, BGGS is the only schoolinAustraliainvolvedin the Women of NASA project. This project has been developed to encourage more young women to pursue careers in maths, science, and techiiology. The project showcases outstanding women who are enjoying successful careers and how these women balance personal and profes- sional responsibilities. The main component of the project is web chats in which students have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the featured mentors regarding their work and careers. This not only assists motivation but also helps in the development of the student's coriumunication skills and scien- tmc literacy

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Cbe", link - Following discussions initiated by Brisbane Girls Grammar School with the Assistant Dean of Science, Dr A1 Grerffell, at The Queensland University of Technology in 1997, this year has seen the implementation of a pilot program called Chemlink. in this program, Year Twelve students undertake a first year university course subject concurrently with their Year Twelve chemistry studies. The Year Twelve students selected are required to attend lectures at the school two mornings a week from 7:15 - 8:15 and a practicalsession eachweek at QUT. These students undertake the same assessment as the first year university students, and upon passing win be granted the credit points towards a science degree. As well as maximising the students' opportunities, interest, and enjoyment, it has involved many discussions between BGGS staff, QUT lecturers, and the students regarding teaching philosophies, assessment, and the development of curriculum materials and complex reasoning skills. This year, three students were involved in the pilot

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