Science Week 2025 – Decoding the Universe
From rockets roaring across the oval to DNA transformed into wearable art, Science Week at Santa Maria College has been a celebration of curiosity, creativity and big ideas. This year’s theme, Decoding the Universe, gave students the chance to explore science in ways that were hands-on, surprising and just plain fun.
Whales, Photography and Storytelling – Guest Speaker Wade Hughes
Year 9 Marine Science students kicked off the week with a visit from Wade Hughes, internationally recognised conservation photographer, author, and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
For nearly 15 years, Wade and his wife, Robyn, have travelled from the Arctic’s icy waters to tropical Pacific atolls, documenting the beauty and behaviour of whales. His award-winning book, Looking for Whales, blends striking black-and-white photography with captivating storytelling, offering rare insights into these extraordinary creatures. Students left with a deeper understanding of both the science and the responsibility of protecting our oceans.
Ailsa Harris, Head of Science, shared, “What I love most about Science Week is how it sparks curiosity in every student, even those who don’t think science is ‘their thing’”. She added, “It’s fun, inspiring, and a fantastic way to showcase the endless possibilities science offers for the future”
Rocket Launches & a Drum That Collapsed Before Our Eyes
At lunchtime, crowds gathered for Science Teacher, Ray Maddison’s spectacular science shows. In one demonstration, steam condensed inside a large drum until it crumpled inwards with a sudden, unforgettable crunch, a powerful lesson in air pressure. In another, rockets of all shapes and sizes took flight, proving that success in rocketry isn’t about being the biggest, but about finding the perfect balance between weight, thrust and design.
The oohs, gasps and applause said it all, science is even better when you can feel the excitement in the air.
Science You Can Hold in Your Hands
Across the week, students explored science in creative, interactive ways. DNA bracelets turned genetic code into colourful jewellery, while fractal art revealed patterns hidden in plants, animals and even clouds. DNA barcoding brought real-world science into the classroom, showing how species such as the woylie, chuditch and bottlebrush can be identified using tiny samples from leaves, water or feathers. And for those up for a challenge, stereograms tested observation skills by hiding images within intricate optical illusions.
The Laser Maze Challenge
The week finished with a buzz at the Laser Maze Competition, designed and run by Academic Captain Amelia and our Year 12 Physics ATAR students. The Science Lab became a high-energy obstacle course where quick thinking, teamwork and problem-solving were the keys to success. The atmosphere was electric, and it was a brilliant example of students leading the way in science engagement.
Academic Captain, Amelia, reflected on the week saying, “A highlight for me was the rocket launching on Tuesday at lunch, there was a huge crowd, and everyone was enthusiastically cheering along.” She went on to explain, “The week’s activities were the result of a collaborative effort between the Science Department, the Year 12 Physics class, and me. Together, we planned events like the laser maze, the steel drum crushing, and an exciting experiment we ran with the Year 5s. It has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm for science at Santa Maria.”
A Celebration of Curiosity
Science Week 2025 reminded us that science is about asking the right questions, experimenting, and sharing discoveries. From guest speakers to spectacular demos and hands-on learning, this year’s Decoding the Universe program proved there is a place for everyone in science.
- DecodingTheUniverse, DNABarcoding, Featured, HandsOnLearning, RocketLaunches, SantaMariaCollege, ScienceWeek2025, StudentLife, StudentScienceActivities
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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