Inspiring Future Scientists at Santa Maria College: The Scanning Electron Microscope.
Thanks to an incredible partnership between Curtin University, the Inspire STEM Education program, and AuScope, the students at Santa Maria College have been given access to world-class scientific equipment right in their own classrooms. This collaboration has brought a $250,000 research-grade Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) out of the lab and into the hands of curious young scientists.
Seeing the Unseen
For many students, microscopes have always been a gateway to discovering tiny elements of the natural world. But a scanning electron microscope takes that experience to an entirely new level and reveals structures up to 100,000 times magnified and uncovering details well beyond what the naked eye, or even a regular classroom microscope can show.
Thanks to this program, Science and Biology students at Santa Maria College are exploring everything from the surface of lizard skin, the details of cricket eyes, to the strands and roots of human hair. Their curiosity knows no bounds as they select their own samples to investigate under the SEM.
Thanks to the Inspire STEM Vision
Programs like Inspire STEM Education, which delivers research-grade STEM equipment and learning experiences like the Scanning Electron Microscope directly to schools are vital in bringing authentic science into education. These initiatives make complex concepts accessible and exciting for students from all levels of science.
Curtin University’s efforts, supported by AuScope and partners, mean students at Santa Maria College are not just learning about science, they are doing science. Whether it’s careers in research, engineering, medicine, or beyond, these young learners are getting a front-row seat to the microscopic wonders of our world.
Staff members have also reflected on the significance of having access to such advanced scientific equipment within a school setting.
“We were so fortunate to have the opportunity to demonstrate the advances in microscope technology. The last time I viewed specimens under such a microscope was in a purpose built lab at UWA, where the machine took up the whole room. The only way to view the specimen was through the eye piece! No computer screen to link it to. Now, the technology has advanced so far that it is all contained in a small, portable box, enabling school students to view specimens over 1000 x magnification in real time.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed using the scanning electron microscope, as it allowed us to explore a fascinating range of specimens — from intricate insect eyes to textured lizard skin — revealing astonishing details invisible to the naked eye. It deepened my appreciation for the complexity of life, and having hands-on access to technology that wasn’t available during my university years made the experience even more meaningful.”
- Curtin University Partnership, Featured, Girls in STEM, Hands-on Science Learning, Innovation in Education, Inspire STEM Program, Santa Maria College, Scanning Electron Microscope, Science Education Perth, STEM Education
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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