Scotch College

Getting down to earth about Mars

Scotch is linking with the USA’s Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Georgia Institute of Technology in the Mars Gravity Biosatellite Program, designed to increase understanding of how human bodies will be affected by life in a lower-gravity environment.

For example, on Mars gravity is only about one-third as strong as on Earth. Astronauts who are weightless for long periods lose significant amounts of bone and muscle mass, because they are no longer working against the pull of gravity.

Understanding the effects of lower-gravity environments is essential before astronauts can travel to Mars or to worlds beyond. It became a priority in 2004 when US President George W Bush announced ‘a new plan to explore space and extend a human presence across our solar system’. The announcement effectively meant a renewal of the American space exploration program. As well, insights gained through the Mars Gravity mission could benefit millions of people who suffer from osteoporosis-related bone loss.

In late 2005, I had discussions with Mr Fulford-Jones, who is one of the lead engineers of the Mars Gravity Biosatellite Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which led to the beginning of an exciting association in science education, encompassing cutting-edge research in gravity, space and neurosciences. MIT is one of the world’s leading contributors to research and technology – 61 current or former staff members have been awarded Nobel Prizes.

The association between Scotch and the Mars Gravity Biosatellite Program provides Scotch with resources for use in science education. This will give Scotch’s primary and middle school students an unparalleled opportunity to participate in the thrill of space-age and neurological research.

I am preparing a teaching unit for Year 10 physics students using resources provided by MIT. This unit will explain the nature of gravity as a variable field, and endeavor to explore, by means of classroom discussions and literature research, the effects of low gravity on humans such as in musculoskeletal deterioration, cardiovascular deconditioning and vestibular plasticity. These areas may seem to be more associated with biology than physics. However, the unit under preparation would provide physics-centred explanations of such ‘biological’ effects.

Year 10–12 students will find such a unit useful, as it brings an exciting relevance to physics, chemistry and biology and links them to careers in space, science, engineering and medicine. In 2006 the Gravity unit will be taught at Year 10 physics level. Later in 2006, discussions will be held to introduce associated topics to other year levels.

Audio-visual communication is being proposed between scientists at MIT and students of Scotch College, where questions and answers could be debated. Classrooms and resources need to be explored for such an interaction.

Science education at Scotch College has always been at the frontiers of the Victorian education system. This is evidenced by several indicators such as high enrolments in science subjects, excellent VCE results, topical professional development for staff, and first-class teaching facilities.

A significant contribution to these success indicators is the work carried out by Scotch technicians who build and maintain many teaching kits and demonstration units in-house. It is little wonder then that over the years Scotch has attracted arguably some of the most qualified and experienced science teachers in Australian schools. Some teaching staff have had careers in industry, while others continue to carry out research and teaching in tertiary institutions.

Dr Atit Bhargav
Head of Physics, Chair of Science

Year 8s learn the joys of ocean racing and the fine print

Many Year 8 boys visiting the Volvo Ocean Race yachts moored at Melbourne’s Docklands during February would gladly have signed up as crew members and set off for a life on the ocean wave upon yachts that can reach speeds of up to 60km/h.

But, as they learned, always check the fine print before signing! The two crew answering questions soon put some realism into the equation. There is a real danger of the yacht sinking after hitting a whale or a partly submerged container or iceberg, from a build-up of snow and many other circumstances.

Jeff Watson
8D Team Teacher