Students tapped for science smarts

Two Tambrey Primary School students won first place in a Statewide award that recognises the excellent science work of students.

Sebastian Bulinski, 11, and Isla Germon, 6, represented the school in the Science Teachers Association of WA science talent search that aims to develop the scientific interests of students from kindergarten to Year 12.

The contest also gave students the opportunity to expand their scientific literacy, by showing interest and understanding in the world around them and engaging in discussions about science.

Sebastian was crowned winner of the engineering award for his work Tap Off, while Isla won first place in the science poster award for her Save our Oceans poster.

Sebastian, who wants to be an inventor or engineer when he grows up, said winning was exciting.

“Tap Off is a small device for people with dementia ... if you leave the tap on and the water is filling up there is a water sensor at the top so when the water fills up an alarm will go off, notifying the person that they have forgotten to turn the tap off. My grandma has dementia so I just wanted to help her,” he said.

Isla said her poster showed the importance of having less rubbish in the ocean so more fish and sea creatures could live.

Tambrey Primary School STEM co-ordinator Anna Ritzema said the school was proud of the students’ efforts.

“They did really well. As a school we have been pushing science quite hard and looking at the children’s existing knowledge and building on it,” she said.

“What we do have access to is the most STEM-rich environment. Our children can see that and it gives them a purpose to go for.”