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Teaching and Learning

Lighting a Spark with the ANSTO Reactor

On the 30th of August the senior Physics and Human Biology classes took a tour of the ANSTO nuclear facility at Lucas Heights in Sydney. The boys were given a lecture in nuclear physics by a member of the ANSTO staff for 40 minutes  before being given a comprehensive tour of the OPAL reactor site. This was followed by a tour of one of the cyclotron particle accelerators and the GenTech medical isotope facility.

Physics students have been challenged this semester with a study of cutting edge concepts including Quantum Mechanics and the Standard Model of the atom. These topics have lead students to a deeper understanding of how physicists view the world through modern devices, including particle accelerators and quantum computing. Human Biology meanwhile has been investigating modern treatments for diseases, including radiology and chemotherapy for common forms of cancer.

Students on the fieldtrip were shown cutting edge research and industrial techniques that have been developed here in Australia and exported around the world. From industrial measurement to tool manufacture through modern techniques for analysing concrete and steel for major construction, to advances in medicine and medical imaging. In addition to this, boys had an opportunity to watch nuclear engineers at work and had an opportunity to ask questions about careers in nuclear science.

Australia has some of the largest and richest mineral deposits in the world, and yet we are still no closer to a nuclear power reactor on the continent than we were 40 years ago. Despite our lack of engagement in nuclear power as a nation – in fact most likely due to it – we continue to remain at the forefront of innovation in science and lead the way in nuclear research. The boys were clearly excited by the opportunity the day provided, hopefully that spark will light a fire in our boys to be a part of the next generation of exceptional Australian scientists.

Mr Mike Brennan
(Acting Science Coordinator)