2017 School Magazine

YEAR 12 PHYSICS

Year 12 Physics threw myriad rewarding challenges at us throughout its duration. With the guidance of our teachers, Mr Allinson, Dr Stephens and Ms Bernard, we traced the footsteps of the physicists before us in exploring the mysteries of the universe. We started Term I studying the intricacies of electricity in the home and moved quickly into Term II where we completed our last Physics Extended Experimental Investigation. This unit allowed girls to explore areas of physics of particular personal interest, such as the analysis of a Gee Haw Whammy Diddle, the fun of ferro fluid and the odd behaviour of synchronised metronomes. In Term III we studied some of the great Physics discoveries. We scrutinised the discovery of nuclear radiation and its implications for our understanding of the atom. This led us to an historical account of the creation of the atom bomb and the devastation it caused. We studied applications of Einstein’s famous E=mc2 and the ground-breaking proposal of wave-particle duality. The conclusion of our senior physics studies finished with a look into how past discoveries in physics led to the experiments being conducted today. Physics has been one of the most rewarding senior subjects for the cohort of 2017, we have no doubt that the applications of this subject will stretch into every facet of our future. RACHEL ANDERSON (12W)

TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE INTERNSHIP

and microscopy. We worked hard over the seven weeks, asking questions and conducting experiments, transforming ourselves from unaware school-students to specialised researchers in our projects. In the final week, we had the opportunity to give a presentation about our findings to our supervisors, and other TRI researchers. This unique experience has helped strengthen our teamwork and problem-solving skills, and it has given us an insight into the incredible world of medical research and has opened our eyes to more future career paths. SARAH WILKEY (11L)

In Term III, four Year 11 students — Jessica Weavis (11H), Caitlin McGrath (11R), Sylvia King (11L) and Sarah Wilkey (11L) — had the exciting opportunity to work alongside Mater medical researchers at the Translational Research Institute (TRI). During the programme, we immersed ourselves in two research projects: ‘Bone marrow macrophage responses to immune challenge’, and an ‘investigation of epigenetic changes driven by a novel anti- cancer agent in melanoma’. We were challenged to extend ourselves far beyond the realm of school-level science and were able to gain practical experience in a professional laboratory environment. Some skills we learnt included immunohistochemistry, tissue staining, flow cytometry

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2017 | CURRICULUM | 075