Aims
The primary objectives of this camp are to develop students’ knowledge, understanding, process, and inquiry skills in contemporary technologies from the fields of healthcare, sustainable development, and materials. This will be achieved through a wide variety of active, hands-on experiences to inspire, enthuse, interest, and motivate them.
Day 1: Technological Developments in Healthcare
Sessions 1 and 2: Artificial Organs, Stem Cell Technology, Tissue Engineering, and Exoskeletons
Students will participate in a jigsaw activity, a cooperative learning technique, and a newspaper simulation. They will develop their knowledge and understanding of the four areas of healthcare technology in home groups, expert groups, and then return to their home groups to produce a feature newspaper article on contemporary healthcare technologies. These articles will be presented and peer-assessed.
Please note: Each session normally lasts 90 minutes.
Session 3: Drug Delivery Systems
The students will be involved in a simulation where each student plays a defined role in a drug delivery system. This hands-on experience will help them grasp the abstract concept and develop their knowledge of the process. They will also be introduced to other examples and potential applications for this technology.
Session 4: Personal Genomics
Students will engage in a discussion-based learning activity to explore, debate, and discuss the pros, cons, and possibilities of personal genomics.
Day 2: Sustainable Development Technologies
Sessions 1 and 2: Cellulosic Biofuel
Students will participate in a series of scientific inquiries on the digestion and fermentation of cellulose.
Sessions 3 and 4: High-Efficiency Solar Cells
Students will investigate the efficiency of different solar cells and compare the underlying science of the different cell types.
Day 3: Materials Technology
Sessions 1 and 2: Biofibers
Students will create a poster trail on different biofibers, with each group producing a poster/exhibition on a specific type of biofiber. This will include its scientific aspects, structure, properties, and applications. The students will also develop questions to accompany their posters. These questions will be collected, and all students will follow the trail, answer the questions, and thus enhance their knowledge and understanding of the full range of biofibers.
Sessions 3 and 4: Biobased Plastics, Geopolymer, and Graphene
Students will participate in a television newsroom simulation, with each group tasked to produce a science current affairs program on one of the following topics: biobased plastics, geopolymers, or graphene. They will develop a script using a program structure and timing and then perform the program, sharing their knowledge and understanding with the whole group.
