Science @ SAC
Year 12 Physics Excursion
On Thursday, September 5th, 2024, the Year 12 Physics class from St. Andrews College embarked on an insightful excursion to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) at Lucas Heights. The visit offered students a hands-on experience with groundbreaking scientific technologies and concepts they had previously encountered only in the classroom.
The day began at the Discovery Centre, where the students explored a cloud chamber depicting alpha, beta, and gamma radiation patterns, and marveled at a full-scale replica of ANSTO’s nuclear reactor core. From there, they ventured into the OPAL (Open Pool Australian Lightwater) research reactor—the only nuclear reactor in Australia—where they learned about neutron production and its vast applications in medicine and research.
One of the excursion's highlights was witnessing live reactor camera feeds, offering real-time insights into the inner workings of the facility. The students then toured the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, discovering how OPAL-generated neutrons contribute to various research projects and nuclear medicine, including the production of technetium-99m, a crucial radioisotope used in cancer diagnostics.
The visit concluded at the Centre for Accelerator Science, where students observed a linear particle accelerator, pivotal in environmental and quantum research. A seminar on radioactive decay and radioisotope experiments further consolidated their understanding.
This ANSTO excursion not only deepened the students' appreciation for nuclear science but also inspired many to pursue further studies in the field. The Year 12 class extends heartfelt thanks to Mr. Jayaratna and St. Andrews College for making this extraordinary experience possible.
- Ishwinder Nijjar, on behalf of the 2024 Physics Class.
Year 12 Investigating Science Excursion to Orchard Hill Water Filtration Plant and Quakers Hill Water Purification Recycled Water (PRW) Demo Plant.
On September 3, 2024, The Year 12 Investigating Science students visited the Orchard Hill Water Filtration Plant and the Quakers Hill Water Purification Recycled Water (PRW) Demo Plant.
Why? Part of the Year 12 Investigating Science HSC course involves the evaluation of the impact of scientific research, development and application on world health and human wellbeing. One of these applications is water purification and wastewater treatment. Water is an important resource. We cannot live without it. But it is a finite resource. Of the water available on Earth 97.5% is salt water, 2.5 % is fresh water but frozen and less than 1% is fresh and usable. On this excursion, students toured the Orchard Hill Water Filtration Plant and learned the process in which water from the dam is filtered and eventually reaches our taps. They learned about the issues associated with water scarcity as a result of population growth and climate change and of the ways Sydney Water is addressing this. For areas near the coast, one of the solutions is the desalination plant where water from the ocean is processed and rendered usable. For inland, a possible solution is the purification of recycled water (PRW). Although PRW is not yet currently used in Sydney, the students were able to tour the demo plant in Quakers Hill to gain an understanding of the development and the application of the technology in addressing water scarcity.
Ms Caroline O’Hare
Science Teacher