On May 23rd, Year 11 students Cameron Akehurst (left) and George Wilks (right) spent the day at UniSA’s Mawson Lakes campus. The boys, who are both currently studying Stage 2 Mathematical Methods, experienced the type of mathematics that can be undertaken at university level and how they can be used to build a STEM career.
They participated in practical problem-solving activities with PhD students to understand how probability underpins a card game and also a simulated algorithm to determine the energy required and used by a solar car in a race, according to the weather conditions.
The students noted that the most beneficial part of the trip was hearing from mathematics professionals about their various fields; this included pharmaceutical research, analysis of military equipment, logistics, aviation and human body cell regeneration research.
The experience provided Cameron and George with greater context to the mathematics they are currently studying and its practical applications in assorted careers. They gained an excellent insight into where a university mathematics degree can lead; accordingly, both boys are now considering these pathways as potential post-schooling options.
~ Miss Tash Rayson (Senior School AP)
