PowerPoint Presentation

Seeing is Believing! Star of the Sea College, Brighton

Emma Moore, Georgia Lilley, Karina Vasudevan and Nicole Campbell. GEORGIAInitial views on Science + PhysicsWe have all always had a strong interest in science and thoroughly enjoy the learning, discovery, logic and creativity that comes with it.

I have always believed there is science behind everything but I never really had a detailed understanding into the concepts of physics - Karina

Id only ever seen the force and motion side of physics, I didnt realise how broad the study of physics really is! Nicole

When people think of scientists, they think people working in labs, wearing white lab coats, and making things change colour

Have only studied a very general and basic physics

Mainly forces and motion, specific to classroom and textbooks

We create a subculture at school about what an area is like so it is amazing to get out of the classroom and see the scientists and labs in action

GEORGIA----- Meeting Notes (8/21/15 14:04) -----`Great opportunity to get out of the classroom and experience real life application

It has been amazing to see how the laws of physics are being used on a daily basis

Learnt how there is a very large selection of careers available

Weve all come to appreciate sciences importance more

Weve seen how physics can apply to so many more areas than just research in the wider worldOur views on science and physics now!The project goalOur goal was to investigate and discover how x-ray/light diffraction can be used to help identify the structure of very small objects. This is particularly important and applicable in areas of science where you may be working with an object invisible to the naked eye or with an unknown structure.

As well as this, we had a few other aims: to broaden our understanding of physics, gain experience in a university environment, meet students or scientists who are studying or have studied physics, and explore the many labs and facilities. GEORGIAWorking with scientists vs investigations at schoolIn the classroom, we are usually confined to what the teacher wants us to learn, and very specific experiments theyve designed for us.At Melbourne University, scientists seem so open to stretch the boundaries, and go one step beyond.Weve been able to discuss what weve observed in a large group, enabling us to extend our knowledge of our investigation by hearing views from different perspectives, rather than being confined to solely our own opinion.Working with scientists has allowed us to see how much there is to still learn about physics, and how flexible studying this science is.

Difference in the engagement of workWorking in proper labs with fancy equipmentBeing able to talk and work with people who have been down the physics pathwayHaving the scientists telling us their professional opinion, and showing us how broad their study isGEORGIAProject relation to real world + Transferable skillsHow do the sciences work in an interdisciplinary way to achieve this, and what is the role of physics?Work between physics, maths, biology, chemistry, so much moreNot restricted, complementaryTransferrable skills - we are never limited to one area, there are endless opportunitiesRelation to real life - scientists aiming to discover and further develop an understanding of extremely small objects such as moleculesPhysics plays a key role in the future progress of humankind.Physics is crucial for the development of essential equipment in a daily lives, such as a GPS, or x-rays, and even the clock.While on this program, we have learnt specifically the role of physics with learning the structure of atoms and molecules through light diffraction.Knowing structures is so important for even chemistry and biology to understand how things function, and possibly how to prevent disease.KARINA

Laser beam generator

Diverging lens

Lens that concentrates light Slits and slidesCondenser lens (superimpose)Diffraction PatternKARINA

KARINA

EMMA

4 -Fold Symmetry (horizontal and vertical)

EMMALaser diffraction - resultsDiffraction: the process by which a beam of light or a system of waves spreads out as a result of passing through a slit or across an edgeWe discovered that when a slide or sample is diffracted, the diffracted image comes out RECIPROCATEDReciprocal space - inverseLong light beam in reciprocal space = shortApply diffraction pattern to work out the structure of cells and atoms in samples, create a modelThe symmetry, shape and periodicity of the object is retained in the reciprocal space, not necessarily its definite position

KARINA

Diffraction images

OrientatingModel based on digital imagesEMMA

Activity in determining which crystals and proteins matched with which diffraction patternsNicole

DNA: Rhombus and cross-like shapeProtein: Four fold symmetryDiamond: symmetrical, three fold symmetryBy looking at the diffraction you can work out the arrangement of cells and moleculesNicoleWhy Should We care about the Research here?Always about discovering new things that are ultimately beneficialAll ends of the working spectrum.With light diffraction: understand the structures of atoms, proteins, moleculesAlways looking into the future: trying to find ways to better existing things, discover and learn new things, become more economical and make life easier

KARINAPhysics Is Relevant!Available to everyone

Research: investigation in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions

Research in physics at Melbourne Uni looking into the future

Ultimately extend to society improve quality of life, make things easier/more accessible, give us more knowledge

Relevant in every way

KARINAAm I capable, do I belong? Lost some of the preconceived ideas of physics being impossible.More confidence going into VCE physics, and hopefully even further.Learning about all the jobs available to physicists has show us that there is much more out there than we thought. It makes us believe that maybe physics is for us :)

NicoleOur Learnings Measure and read data accurately How to interpret patterns in diffracted images The kinds of equipment and experimental techniques used by physicists Teamwork, collaboration, discussion Organisation Problem solving Communication Observation Deeper and more meaningful thinking

NicoleChoices that have opened up to me in Possible CareersMuch wider selection of future opportunities in physics than originally expected. Not only pursuable in its pure form, but also within a range of areasAstronomy, astrophysics, biophyics, chemistry, data analysis, education and teaching, engineering, geophysics, high energy physics, IT, medicine and health, nuclear physics, optics, research and so much more.

EMMAHow being part of GTP changed my appreciation for physical scienceThere are more careers than we hear about in school.Science isnt a locked in or a textbook career. Flexibility to explore.Experience in Physics.Modern inventions. We appreciate physics so much more than before!

EMMAAcknowledgementsMelbourne University School of PhysicsThe Growing Tall Poppies Program TeamOur mentors: Andrew Martin, Sophie Williams, Justine Corso, Victor and Hayden.Akorn Educational Services + Adam OldmeadowCatholic Education OfficeStar of the Sea, Mrs Trip and Mr Brown

GEORGIA

THANK YOU

GEORGIA