Science Week 2019

A four-day exploration of all things STEM was celebrated at Somerset during our annual Science Week. Also the Somerset Science Awards Night were held, recognising the work of our scientists from Pre-Prep to Year 12.

Monday started with a bang (actually quite a few) with the Science Spectacular. The Griffith and UQ Ambassadors joined the Science Committee Captain to present a variety of explosions, eruptions, pops and magical transformations for our friends in the Junior School. Nick’s iconic snake dance to accompany the carbon snake he had created was an instant success.

Following the excitement of Monday, Tech Tuesday was introduced in the brand-new Design Centre. Flocks of students were ecstatic at the idea of exploring new opportunities open to us: including racing robotics and team Virtual Reality games.

Wednesday saw the Year 10s to 12s scramble to design the best Egg Parachute. Unfortunately, no egg survived the plummet from the Bell Tower (especially the one entered by Brock and Stewart, our lively commentators). The Year 11s took out first prize with the 'Basket' style, with the 'Brick' not far behind.

That night, the work of our Somerset Scientists all the way from Pre-Prep to Seniors was celebrated at the annual Somerset Science Awards Night. It was a lovely evening for students, teachers and parents alike. The mood of the evening was poignantly set by the fervent melodies of the Jazz Band who entertained the masses as they ventured through the awe-inspiring exhibition of our hard work. A thank you must be extended to the students working tirelessly to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Ben Major’s speech exquisitely explained the importance of such an organisation to our country.

On the final day of 2019 Science Week, we watched as the Year 7s to 9s (and Kevin Song) battle it out for victory in the Amazing Race. Mr McLaughlin watched on proudly as five teams from the class of 2022 made it to the final round, the Year 12s having been eliminated due to their incompetency at the Acids-and-Bases station. Congratulations to the Science Committee girls who took out first prize with a three-story high Coca Cola spurt (according to Mr Brodar at least).

The week concluded with the annual Staff verse Student Titration with both Ms Lee and Mr Turner using their polished skills to take their teams to victory.

A big thank you to all the staff and students, as well as our lab techs, for all the contributions they have made throughout this week. Though science is the focus of our committee all-year-round, it is nice to bring it to the greater Somerset community to celebrate Science Week.

We hope everyone enjoyed the 2019 Science Week and are already excited for what is to come in 2020.