Seeing is Believing! Star of the Sea College, Brighton Emma Moore, Georgia Lilley, Karina Vasudevan and Nicole Campbell.

Initial views on Science + Physics We have all always had a strong interest in science and thoroughly enjoy the learning, discovery, logic and creativity that comes with it. “I have always believed there is science behind everything but I never really had a detailed understanding into the concepts of physics” - Karina “I’d only ever seen the force and motion side of physics, I didn’t realise how broad the study of physics really is!” – Nicole When people think of scientists, they think people working in labs, wearing white lab coats, and making things change colour Have only studied a very general and basic physics Mainly forces and motion, specific to classroom and textbooks We create a subculture at school about what an area is like so it is amazing to get out of the classroom and see the scientists and labs in action

Great opportunity to get out of the classroom and experience real life application It has been amazing to see how the laws of physics are being used on a daily basis Learnt how there is a very large selection of careers available We’ve all come to appreciate science’s importance more We’ve seen how physics can apply to so many more areas than just research in the wider world Our views on science and physics now!

The project goal Our goal was to investigate and discover how x- ray/light diffraction can be used to help identify the structure of very small objects. This is particularly important and applicable in areas of science where you may be working with an object invisible to the naked eye or with an unknown structure. As well as this, we had a few other aims: to broaden our understanding of physics, gain experience in a university environment, meet students or scientists who are studying or have studied physics, and explore the many labs and facilities.

Working with scientists vs investigations at school In the classroom, we are usually confined to what the teacher wants us to learn, and very specific experiments they’ve designed for us. At Melbourne University, scientists seem so open to stretch the boundaries, and go one step beyond. We’ve been able to discuss what we’ve observed in a large group, enabling us to extend our knowledge of our investigation by hearing views from different perspectives, rather than being confined to solely our own opinion. Working with scientists has allowed us to see how much there is to still learn about physics, and how flexible studying this science is. Difference in the engagement of work Working in proper labs with fancy equipment Being able to talk and work with people who have been down the physics pathway Having the scientists telling us their professional opinion, and showing us how broad their study is

Project relation to real world + Transferable skills How do the sciences work in an interdisciplinary way to achieve this, and what is the role of physics? ●Work between physics, maths, biology, chemistry, so much more ●Not restricted, complementary ●Transferrable skills - we are never limited to one area, there are endless opportunities ●Relation to real life - scientists aiming to discover and further develop an understanding of extremely small objects such as molecules ●Physics plays a key role in the future progress of humankind. ●Physics is crucial for the development of essential equipment in a daily lives, such as a GPS, or x-rays, and even the clock. ●While on this program, we have learnt specifically the role of physics with learning the structure of atoms and molecules through light diffraction. ●Knowing structures is so important for even chemistry and biology to understand how things function, and possibly how to prevent disease.

Laser beam generator Diverging lens Lens that concentrates light Slits and slides Condenser lens (superimpose) Diffraction Pattern

4 -Fold Symmetry (horizontal and vertical)

Laser diffraction - results Diffraction: the process by which a beam of light or a system of waves spreads out as a result of passing through a slit or across an edge We discovered that when a slide or sample is diffracted, the diffracted image comes out RECIPROCATED Reciprocal space - inverse Long light beam – in reciprocal space = short Apply diffraction pattern to work out the structure of cells and atoms in samples, create a model The symmetry, shape and periodicity of the object is retained in the reciprocal space, not necessarily its definite position

Diffraction images Orientating Model based on digital images

Activity in determining which crystals and proteins matched with which diffraction patterns

DNA: Rhombus and cross-like shape Protein: Four fold symmetry Diamond: symmetrical, three fold symmetry By looking at the diffraction you can work out the arrangement of cells and molecules

Why Should We care about the Research here? Always about discovering new things that are ultimately beneficial All ends of the working spectrum. With light diffraction: understand the structures of atoms, proteins, molecules Always looking into the future: trying to find ways to better existing things, discover and learn new things, become more economical and make life easier

Physics Is Relevant! Available to everyone Research: investigation in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions Research in physics at Melbourne Uni – looking into the future Ultimately extend to society – improve quality of life, make things easier/more accessible, give us more knowledge Relevant in every way

Am I capable, do I belong? Lost some of the preconceived ideas of physics being impossible. More confidence going into VCE physics, and hopefully even further. Learning about all the jobs available to physicists has show us that there is much more out there than we thought. It makes us believe that maybe physics is for us :)

Our Learnings Measure and read data accurately How to interpret patterns in diffracted images The kinds of equipment and experimental techniques used by physicists Teamwork, collaboration, discussion Organisation Problem solving Communication Observation Deeper and more meaningful thinking

Choices that have opened up to me in Possible Careers Much wider selection of future opportunities in physics than originally expected. Not only pursuable in its pure form, but also within a range of areas Astronomy, astrophysics, biophyics, chemistry, data analysis, education and teaching, engineering, geophysics, high energy physics, IT, medicine and health, nuclear physics, optics, research and so much more.

How being part of GTP changed my appreciation for physical science There are more careers than we hear about in school. Science isn’t a locked in or a textbook career. Flexibility to explore. Experience in Physics. Modern inventions. We appreciate physics so much more than before!

Acknowledgements Melbourne University School of Physics The Growing Tall Poppies Program Team Our mentors: Andrew Martin, Sophie Williams, Justine Corso, Victor and Hayden. Akorn Educational Services + Adam Oldmeadow Catholic Education Office Star of the Sea, Mrs Trip and Mr Brown

THANK YOU