Science Outreach Program
For students in Years 8 and 9
An opportunity for students to consolidate coursework from the NSW Science Syllabus with upcoming real-world research through interactive presentations from PhD candidates across multiple disciplines.
The Sydney Nano Science Outreach Program engages with Year 8-9 students through a range of presentations which showcase the work of postgraduate university students. These presentations aim to highlight points from the NSW Science Syllabus for Years 7-10, giving students the opportunity to consolidate coursework with upcoming real-world research. The program has been designed to inspire and empower students who wish to pursue science as elective subjects or in future studies.
Science Outreach Showcase
Cost: Free!
Format: An interactive showcase of research from PhD Students of diverse disciplines and backgrounds. Engaging research presentations will be given to students, with props and interactive activities to help conceptualise challenging ideas. Designed for presentation to a group of students during a one-hour class period.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Nano | 5 mins |
| Research presentations | 10 minutes each |
| Q&A | 15 minutes |
Program
An introduction to the area of research that is nanotechnology.
How are scientists using stem cells to generate human tissue in the lab? Students will be introduced the concept of stem cells and how this can be used for clinical purposes.
Syllabus points:
- Cells are the basic units of living things and have specialised structures and functions.
- Multicellular organisms rely on coordinated and interdependent internal systems to respond to changes in their environment.
- Advances in scientific understanding often rely on developments in technology, and technological advances are often linked to scientific discoveries.
What are new ways we can use DNA? More than just an information carrier, students will learn of how DNA is used to build physical objects, and how nanotechnology uses old science in new ways.
Syllabus points:
- Identify how our understanding of the structure and properties of elements has changed as a result of some technological devices.
- Identify structures within cells, including the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall and chloroplast, and describe their functions.
- Outline how the Watson-Crick model of DNA explains the exact replication of DNA.
How are scientists making “stardust” in the labs and using them in medicine? Students will be introduced to the concept of a plasma, the dusty nanoparticles produced inside it, and how they can be used to deliver medical cargo in the human body.
Syllabus points:
- Discuss the importance of chemical reactions in the production of a range of substances.
- Describing how multicellular organisms may respond when nanoparticles carrying signalling and treating cargo are introduced to their environment.
- Using plasma-based nanoparticles as an example of where advances in science and technologies significantly affect people's lives: enhancing medical approaches and providing greener alternatives.