The IGS Science Festival, running alongside National Science Week, has provided hands-on experiences for students across all year levels, turning curiosity into discovery. Year 5 and 6 students explored the building blocks of life in the Science labs, constructing DNA models with colourful beads and even extracting real DNA from strawberries, watching the stringy strands appear before their eyes.
Year 7 students delved into biological classification through an up-close encounter with reptiles and amphibians. This interactive session allowed them to handle and observe a variety of creatures, deepening their understanding of the natural world and complementing classroom learning.
For Year 10, the Festival extended beyond the School walls with a visit to The Retreat in Kangaroo Valley on 27 and 28 August. Students immersed themselves in outdoor Science activities, divided into class groups to explore and apply scientific concepts in a natural setting.
Meanwhile, Year 12 students examined historical and contemporary diseases at the Museum of Disease at UNSW on 26 August. They explored exhibits, analysed samples, and heard from experts, linking their studies to real-world health issues. From smallpox outbreaks to modern conditions like diabetes, students considered the impact on health, quality of life and societal cost. The experience complemented Modules 5–8 of the Year 12 Biology curriculum, highlighting how social and cultural perspectives shape approaches to disease prevention, treatment and management.
With more activities planned before the Festival concludes, students continue to engage with Science in ways that spark curiosity, connect learning to the world around them and bring concepts to life beyond the classroom.
Thank you to the entire Science Faculty for their work organising these events.