In STEM, Year 4 have been learning about radiation. My mum is a radiologist in a hospital where there are machines that use radiation. On Friday, she came to tell us about the machines, how they work and how they can be used to help children by seeing inside their bodies with different cameras. When she came in all the Year 4s were so excited, and asked so many questions.

Mrs Jacqueline Carabott (Year 4)

Engaging students in fields related to STEM requires an understanding of what this looks like in the real world; in particular how people have achieved in this area. Each week students explore a female scientist who has had a significant impact on society. These scientists range from chemists to astronomers, from girls who defied orders to study science to those that have followed in their role models’ footsteps. As the students explore different scientists, they engage with new concepts and ideas. More importantly, they begin to make connections with their prior learning and begin to ask questions to challenge their thinking.

Recently, the Year 4 students took a particular interest in the work of Lise Meitner, nuclear physicist and Irene Joliet-Curie, chemist, who explored radiation. Lise stood very much in the shadow of Marie Curie and Irene Joliet-Curie who followed in her mother’s footsteps. In our animated discussions about radiation and its diverse uses, student Jacqueline Carabott (Year 4) made the connection that her mother Anna Moon was a radiologist. As a result, we invited Anna in to speak about how she applied radiation in her workplace. It was a very interesting afternoon, one in which the students readily engaged and took away much from the discussion. We thank Anna for sharing her experience and knowledge.