News - ��Ů��

Details: Published: 07 September 2023

��Ů�� partnered with Japanese students earlier this week where they took part in a space event, learning from La Trobe University and Museums Victoria experts about what it takes to survive on the moon.

Thanks to a collaboration between the Freely Accessible Remote Laboratories (FARLabs) and Museums Victoria, the Year 10 Physics and Japanese students from ��Ů�� joined remotely with Marymede Catholic College and Showa Gakuin Junior High School to explore the science of space travel.

Students were provided an opportunity to conduct an experiment using high-class scientific equipment at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus, which they had access to online from their classrooms via the .

Additionally, students used the concepts they learned to design a habitable moon base.

FARLabs co-founder, La Trobe’s Professor Brian Abbey has seen how space, which is a new topic for the program, captures students’ imaginations.

“Space really does engender so much excitement from students, and we’ve seen that borne out by the events we’ve run with high schools so far,” Professor Abbey said.

The topic of space also offers several entry points for students to engage with a diverse range of scientific concepts.

“During the activities, they explore quite advanced concepts in science and health," Professor Abbey said.

"They think about exercise and diet, and the challenge of maintaining a healthy body in extreme environments."

One key concept the students learnt about was radiation, which is explored in the Australian Curriculum and a big consideration when thinking about space travel.

“On Earth, we’re shielded from a significant amount of harmful radiation by our planet's atmosphere and magnetic field," Professor Abbey said.

"However, when astronauts venture into space they're exposed to higher levels of ionizing radiation from sources such as cosmic rays and solar radiation."

Across the past decade, FARLabs has facilitated free access to world-class scientific equipment to students across Australia and overseas.

Museums Victoria has been a key collaborator for the new space event, which has run multiple times in 2023.

Throughout the year, Museums Victoria Senior Programs Officer Dr Frazer Thorpe has seen how the practical experiment gives students a deeper connection to the concepts they’re learning.

To him, it is most obvious when they are designing their moon bases.

“They were talking about radiation. They were thinking about the practical experiment they were doing and then how to apply that to their design,” Dr Thorpe said.

The students will use the FARLabs platform to remotely conduct a Radiation Turntable experiment. They will control two turntables located at La Trobe University, one housing different sources of radiation and the other housing different materials that absorb radiation.

By turning the tables and lining up the radiation sources with the shield materials, the students can measure which materials are the best protection from harmful radiation – knowledge they can then use when designing their moon bases.

FARLabs is funded by a philanthropic grant from the Telematics trust and have been aided by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in expanding their school network in Japan.

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Details: Published: 05 September 2023

Today we officially opened “The Patch” – our designated agriculture and horticulture area located behind our Bayuna neighbourhood.

In acknowledging the Yorta Yorta and Bangerang Clans, the Traditional Custodians of the lands of Shepparton, our Executive Principal, Barbara O’Brien said it felt fitting to reflect on our First Peoples and the deep connection they have to the land and waterways of this region.

“We thank them for not only caring for country but for sharing their knowledge of country, which spans over thousands of years,” Ms O’Brien said.

“In the Goulburn Valley, there is no denying the importance of caring for Country, in preserving culture and traditions and looking after our beautiful waterways and our flora and fauna.”

In addition to this, the Goulburn Valley region also contributes to 25 per cent of Victoria’s agricultural production, with Greater Shepparton being a major fruit and vegetable processing centre growing a majority of the nation’s produce.

This includes 99 per cent of nashis, 86 per cent of pears, 80 per cent of kiwifruit, 50 per cent of pomegranates and 43 per cent of apricots.

This, as well as our large dairy industry provide product for both local consumption and national and international export.

“While the patch we stand on right now may be small in size, it’s contribution to the future of agriculture and horticulture in this region is large,” Ms O’Brien said.

“It is here we hope to shape the future generation of farmers, growers, agronomists, environmental scientists, biosecurity experts, lab workers, landscapers … the list goes on.”

Ms O’Brien said Agriculture and Horticulture is one of the fastest growing and technologically innovative industries in Australia and whether you’re interested in being outdoors, adapting to climate change, animal welfare or researching sustainable business practices – the careers and pathways are endless.

“��Ů�� students will utilise The Patch to make choices about seeds to plant at certain times of the year, crop care and watering, harvesting and marketing. The garden beds will be used for trials for students at VCE level,” she said.

“The presence of chooks demonstrates a part of a good backyard garden, where the animals can be used to assist with garden pest management and supply eggs. They also provide an opportunity for students to learn about the responsibility and commitment of looking after animals.

“The Patch is developing every day, with fruit and nut trees now planted, along with grape vines. The compost bins and worm farm are also in full operation.

During the opening event, Ms O’Brien acknowledged and thanked our Multicultural Liaison Officer, Hussam ‘Samy’ Saraf, who has been instrumental in the set up of The Patch, in assisting students to plant and establish trees.

“For those of you who don’t know, Samy is a keen gardener and expert in grafting who even holds a world record for the most types of fruit grown on a single tree!” Ms O’Brien said.

“Samy also made a generous financial donation towards the purchase of our edible garden and we are very grateful for his vision and support.

“You will also see The Patch has had a boost of colour and vibrancy thanks to a mural along the back wall of the area.

“This was painted and designed by our Project Ready students who have been learning about regenerative agriculture and designed the piece inspired by local agriculture practices.”

Ms O’Brien said the students were supported by local artist and painter Joan Erikson and Art Domain Leader Alison Sealie who assisted to bring the students’ ideas into reality in the way of one large 15m x 2m long mural.

What wonderful opportunities we will be able to provide our students in this space – transferable, hands-on and interactive learning that will be sure to build aspirations among our young people,” Ms O’Brien said.

Thank you to the following individuals, groups and businesses who have made this all possible:

Agriculture and Horticulture Teacher Charlotte Drinnan – Without your passion and dedication we really wouldn’t be here. You have worked tirelessly to bring this to life and we value and appreciate your ongoing efforts and contribution.
The Leadership and Facilities teams – For supporting the vision and assisting with resourcing and collecting items from other campuses to repurpose.
Our Science Domain Leader Sarah Beattie and Lab Techs Kath, Leanne and Jo for your constant support over time and running around collecting items.
Louise McDade-Cartey – For creating the signs for the fence and chook house with VCAL students.
Harry and Milo for the build.
Stuart Drinnan and Miriam Drinnan for collecting and transporting goods and setting up the wicking beds.
Avonlea Flowers for the greenhouse hoops.
David Black for the pea straw.
AGF Seeds for cover crop seed and;
Footte Waste for the bins for chook food storage.