Science Education News (SEN) Journal 2017 Volume 66 Number 4 December 2017 | Page 11

ASSOCIATION NEWS
2017 STANSW Young Scientist ISEF (continued)
This was one of her project’s most important discoveries, since
lead has been the accepted material for shielding devices.
The breast shield is easier to use, substantially cheaper than
conventional methods, 60% more effective than lead shields and
it ultimately improves outcomes for breast cancer patients.
visiting both the Disneyland Park and the Disneyland California
Adventure Park. A particular highlight at Disneyland was that the
girls were selected to have the exclusive VIP seats for Mickey’s
Soundsational Parade.
Macinley’s ISEF experience was absolutely incredible. She
found that it did not compare to anything that she had ever really
experienced – something you can’t really imagine. “People can
tell you about it but it doesn’t click until you are actually there”
said Macinley, with “1800 students and finalists in a massive hall
packed with interesting people and projects.”
Other Memorable Experiences
The STANSW Young Scientist ISEF team also found time to visit
educational institutions and a number of LA’s iconic locations.
The girls visited the La Brea Tar Pits (below), the California
Science Centre,
Wherever the girls went in their Sebel shirts they attracted a lot of
attention and the 1200 clip-on koalas were a particular favourite
for local and international ISEF delegates.
Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Stars along
Hollywood Boulevard, LA Live, Santa Monica Beach and finished
the week by going to a baseball game at Dodgers Stadium.
Reflections on our ISEF Experience
As a teacher and chaperone who has had the fortune and pleasure
of going to ISEF with six different teams, the most significant
aspect I have come away with is that the standard of projects we
are producing in NSW schools is well above the standard of the
national-winning projects from most other countries.
Last September, our ISEF Judging Panel were given the task
of selecting the best 6 of 15 Year 9-12 projects identified by
category judges. Any of these projects would have excelled
on this international stage. Further evidence of the exceptional
quality of these projects was that 13 of the 26 finalists selected for
the national 2017 BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Awards
were from NSW.
Other highlights included a six-hour visit to Universal Studios
where the park was open exclusively for ISEF delegates and a
full 15-hour day at Disneyland where they had the opportunity of
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SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL NEWS VOL 66 NO 4