2000 Student Winners
Categories:
- Biology and Microbiology
- Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Environmental and Earth Science
- Physics, Engineering and Technology
- School of the Year Award
Biology and Microbiology
Matthew Tonini
St Joseph's Catholic High School, Albion Park NSW
'Escape response of Periwinkles to Predatory Whelks'
Matthew's study investigated and demonstrated that herbivorous periwinkles have an escape response actually triggered by the predatory whelks. Once Matthew was able to show that a response was triggered he further hypothesised and examined what the actual trigger might be. Matthew's good knowledge of bodies of similar work in this field, together with the large amount of behind the scenes work he himself undertook, were well integrated into his report. Matthew was also able to replicate his findings in both a laboratory set up as well as in the field resulting in an excellent ecological study.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Ling San Lau
Rose Bay High School, Lindisfarne TAS
'Exposing the True Colours of Tasmanian Eucalypts'
Ling Sang Lau has completed an extraordinary piece of work. The purpose was to investigate dyes from no less than 29 species of Tasmanian Eucalypts with a view to identifying their potential for commercial use. In Ling Sang Lau's hands it was a study which was: intellectually rigorous; substantive in scope; intelligent in the design of the experimental approach; exceptionally mature in the interpretation and understanding of the nature and limitations of the results; thorough in its coverage of prior knowledge; and generous in its recognition of the impressive support network she engaged. The report is a model of clarity and style which denotes a remarkable talent and a vivacity of spirit which impressed all of the judges. The energy in this work is such that all who read it must share, to some extent at least, in the hope that dyes from Tasmanian Eucalypts may play a greater role in craft and possibly larger commercial industries in the future.
Environmental and Earth Science
Jessica McMahon
Alfred Deakin High School, Deakin ACT
'Effects of Tree/Shrub Density and Shade Coverage on the Endangered R. Leptorrhynchoides'
Jessica's project focussed on the potential impact of revegetation programs on the conservation status of a rare and endangered herb-like plant Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides - commonly known as the Button Wrinklewort. Jessica was concerned that societies enthusiasm for revegetation programs may put this plant under further pressure.
The project required extensive field work and careful analysis of the data she collected. Jessica found that shade coverage effects the establishment of Button Wrinklewort and that the density of trees and shrubs in the study area appear to impact on the ability of the plant to reproduce.
She concludes that there is a need to protect the ecology of grassy woodland habitats by limiting the number of introduced trees and shrubs.
Physics, Engineering and Technology
Keith Lam and Marbury Lau
Redeemer Baptist School, Castle Hill NSW
'The Millennium Refrigerator'
This project successfully combined the technology process and scientific method through a series of well designed experiments. The result was a logically developed design proposal for a better refrigerator which the students then built and tested. Their project produced a positive social contribution. The judges were impressed with the way in which Marbury and Keith accessed information, assistance and resources in their quest to design a better refrigerator.
2000 BHP School of the Year Award
Willetton Senior High School, Willetton WA