Issue 6 2023

Science Snippets

The 7.3 Science class enjoyed time outside of the classroom to watch the partial solar eclipse. Students wore protective glasses to see the event.

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Who had fun at cross country last week? What did you enjoy most about the day? The cheering? The costumes? The racing? At Stuartholme, Cross Country Day is an opportunity for students to engage in essential physical activity while being able to have fun with friends. But have you ever considered how participating in daily high intensity exercise, such as running a cross country race, could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease which is the cause of 60–70% of cases of dementia. Usually a gradually progressive condition, the brain disorder causes problems with memory, thinking and behaviour. However, recent research has revealed that the onset of these problems within the brain could be considerably delayed just from regular participation in exercise.

Research published in The Journal of Physiology showed that a short but intense bout of exercising increases the production of a specialised protein that is essential for brain formation, learning and memory, and could protect the brain from age-related cognitive decline. This protein, known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promotes neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to form new connections and pathways) by encouraging the formation and storage of memories to boost cognitive performance. This increase in BDNF during exercise could be linked to the increased number of platelets (which store large amounts of BDNF), due to the fact that the concentration of platelets circulating in the blood increases by 20% during vigorous exercise.

See Six minutes of high-intensity exercise could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease — ScienceDaily for more information!

Sophie Ladbrook (Year 11 UQ Science Ambassador):

Here is an introduction to Sophie and Anna (two of our four UQ Science Ambassadors for 2023):

Name: About me, my interests and what I am interested in studying at university:
Sophie Ladbrook Hello, my name is Sophie and I first joined Stuartholme in Year 7. Currently, I am studying both Chemistry and Biology as my Senior science subjects. I love these two subjects because I get to learn so much more about the wonders of science. In terms of plans after school, I would like to hopefully study for a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Health Sciences at university.
Anna Newham Hi, I am Anna. I have been attending Stuartholme since Year 7. This year the senior science subjects I have chosen are Chemistry and Biology. I have chosen these subjects as I find these particular aspects of science fascinating and I think they might support me in my future plans. At the moment I am unsure of what my plans for after school are, however, I  really enjoy science and I am quite interested in studying it in university.

Upcoming Science Opportunities:

Year 12 Queensland Biology Winter school 2023

Date: Tuesday 27 – Wednesday 28 June

The 2023 Year 12 Queensland Biology Winter School (QBWS) provides current Year 12s a deep dive into contemporary topics in genetics, phylogenetics, plant science, evolutionary biology, and biochemistry, and how these disciplines are interconnected. Find out more
Applications close Tuesday 30 May.

Year 11 Queensland Biology Winter School 2023

Date: Monday 3 – Tuesday 4 July

Current Year 11s will participate in workshops exploring biodiversity, animal physiology, venom ecology, marine biology, and biophysics. Find out more

Applications close Tuesday 30 May.

Feast 2023:

Date: Sunday 25 June – Wednesday 28 June

Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and Technology (FEAST) is a 4-day residential program for Year 11-12 students where you’ll explore agriculture, animal and plant science at our Gatton campus and test drive what it’s like to be a UQ student by taking part in hands-on workshops run by current students and staff. Find out more

2023 Queensland Science Contest

Date: Register by 5 October

Start thinking about projects to get involved in the 2023 Queensland Science Contest! If you have done the work in your class why not enter it and be in the running to receive some of the $17,000 in prize money. You could be UQ’s Young Scientist of the Year for 2023! Find out more

International Chemistry Quiz

Date: Thursday 3 August

Includes: 30 questions with 60 minutes to complete
The ICQ is a unique chemical education activity. It provides a major focus for secondary school students on the relevance of chemistry in an exciting and stimulating way. The RACI invites all students to participate in the ICQ. Find out more

Registrations open April 2023.

Junior Physics Odyssey

 Date: Tuesday 4 – Friday 7 July

The Junior Physics Odyssey (JPhO) is a four-day (non-residential) program held at UQ St Lucia campus for Year 10 students with an interest in physics, science and mathematics.

Year 10s hear from researchers, meet current students and explore diverse topics in physics by participating in an exciting range of hands-on experiments and workshops. Find out more

Applications close Friday 12 May 2023.

Kind regards,

Ms Wendy Macdonald

Leader of Learning – Science