Thirty-six QAHS STEM Mentors transformed scientific ideas into colourful, engaging demonstrations as part of this year's National Science Week celebrations.
Working in small teams, the mentors prepared a diverse program of pop-up experiments, which they delivered to primary school students on Tuesday afternoon and to the QAHS community during lunchtime. The activities gave students the opportunity to observe surprising scientific phenomena, ask questions and explore the explanations behind each demonstration.
The experiments included vitamin C redox testing, ooblecks, homemade ice cream, rain modelling, rainbow density columns, elephant's toothpaste, M&M rainbows, lemon volcanoes and lava lamps. Together, the activities explored concepts including oxidation and reduction, non-Newtonian fluids, freezing-point depression, weather processes, density, diffusion, catalysis and acid–base reactions.
From making ice cream using ice and salt to producing streams of foam in elephant's toothpaste, the experiments demonstrated that science can be both rigorous and highly entertaining. The M&M rainbows, density columns and lava lamps provided striking examples of how substances interact, while the vitamin C investigation showed how chemical testing can be used to compare everyday products.
The event was also an important leadership opportunity for the STEM Mentors. Each team was responsible for preparing its activity, explaining the underlying science clearly and safely, and encouraging students to participate. Across both sessions, the mentors demonstrated excellent teamwork, communication and professionalism as they adapted their explanations for different audiences.
The enthusiastic response from participating students reflected the value of providing interactive opportunities to experience science beyond the classroom. The pop-up experiments encouraged curiosity and showed how STEM concepts can be investigated using familiar materials and observable phenomena.
The event captured the purpose of the QAHS STEM Mentor program: enabling students to use their knowledge and enthusiasm to inspire others. Congratulations to all 36 STEM Mentors for their creativity, leadership and contribution to a memorable National Science Week.
Dr Carrie Lovitt
Brilliant Futures & STEM Mentor Coordinator