H2O + NaCl =
MaD aBouT SciEnce By Debra Mar Photos: Yanni
Arched over a science bench in front of a whiteboard loaded with equations derived from The Periodic Table are two delightful, intelligent 15 year old Rosebud Secondary College science students, Trinity May and Olivia Stevenson who met writer Debra Mar to answer the question – Why are you Mad about Science?
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raped in white lab coats, Trinity and Olivia confidently manipulate scientific tools to conduct experiments. These two youthful, energetic girls have a zest for life and learning about all things scientific. Olivia favours an interest in marine biology whereas Trinity has a fascination for criminology and forensic science. “It’s fun and exciting,” said Trinity who loves to know why and how compounds change when mixed with other compounds. Olivia is an animal lover, particularly marine wildlife with a focus on their habitat and environment.
Both girls have been captivated with science from a young age and both agree TV shows and documentaries such as NCIS and the like provide insight and inspiration into the world of science. Rosebud Secondary College fully supports and encourages students of both genders to have a go at all science subjects, and three of the college’s female students have attended the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra in the past two years. Trinity and Olivia believe women are not represented enough in the science sector and industries. “I think girls at a young age are mislead because of the high number of men in science type jobs therefore women can feel outnumbered, intimidated and a little over-powered,” explained Olivia. “Women have to move forward and realize they are capable of doing the job in maledominated professions.” Part of the issue appears to be that women in general are not empowered and supported enough in our society to follow a career in science. “Every time I think of science jobs I think of the ‘big things’ and big
“I learn a lot about animals from TV and enjoy watching David Attenborough programs,” she said.
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