A student’s ConocoPhillips Science Experience

Last year, as Year 9 student, I had the privilege to participate in the ConocoPhillips Science Experience during the Christmas holidays. I decided to apply for ECU in Joondalup out of the three universities that you could choose from in WA. Not only was it a great insight into the university life and the ECU campus itself, but it was a memorable and fun experience. It ran for four days with a variety of courses and activities each day.

These were just some of the classes we attended at the campus:

Nursing and Midwifery involved learning to apply dressing to a wound on an extremely life-like bottom.

Reptiles taught us how to hold and identify snakes and lizards, as well as what to do when bitten.

Drones gave us the opportunity to fly high-tech drones and learn about the mechanics involved.

In Robotics we programed a robotic arm and experienced virtual reality.

We acquired the knowledge of the dynamics & process involved to build and improve racing cars in Engineering.

Physics involved understanding Newton’s three laws by shooting a water-powered rocket, and the dynamics of light and sound.

We separated the DNA of a kiwi-fruit and simulated an experiment a scientist would use to test DNA for bacteria in DNA Chemistry.

Using special equipment that athletes use, we determined our speed, jumping height and average reflex time in Sports Science.

We also spent an entire day on an excursion at the GINGIN gravitational centre, which was like a rare Sci-Tech. There we learnt about the creation of the universe and the many laws of the universe. I was delighted to see the sun through a special telescope that only emits 99.9% of the light and to discover that the sun is not all one temperature. You can literally see the ‘cold spots’, which appear black in contrast to the great ball of red.

I can honestly say that I greatly enjoyed this experience and fully intend to apply again this year. I also encourage the current Year 9s to take up this opportunity, as you will not be disappointed.

Eva Burkhardt – Year 10 student