Stanmore Science and a selfie with the PM In November 2017, 8A1 Science experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to extract possum faeces DNA at Macquarie University as part of the Scoop A Poop project. The aim of the Scoop A Poop experiment is to determine how bacterial resistance has impacted nature and made its way into our ecosystem. It involves collecting possum scat samples and testing them for antibacterial-resistant bacteria. The day started with a 90-minute train trip. Lucky for us, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull got onto the train, so we took a selfie withhim. He was also going to Macquarie University. 8A1 Science students with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull When we arrived at the biology building, would be used for testing in the lab. The the substance would be a negative we were amazed to learn the research next step was to add buffers to make charge, and be attracted to the bottom we would be conducting was what a sure that the DNA was completely of the machine. It could therefore be third-year science student would do. cleared of the proteins in the scat. concluded resistant bacteria had made We washed our hands and put on our lab its way into our local ecosystems. coats, gloves and glasses. Each table had ‘The research we would We couldn’t wait to get our results back! an instructor to guide us and help us to be conducting was what We headed back to school, having get the DNA from the possum scat. We gained an opportunity to truly started off by learning how to use a a third-year science experience the life of a scientist. Our pipette. After some practice using it to student would do.’ class had an insight into what actually pick up food dye, we got into the hard wokr. happens in a lab and how precise you Each group put the scat sample into a The university will use the DNAto have to be in order to have an accurate chemical that, when spun in a centrifuge, determine whether the possum faeces result. We learnt all about resistant separates the DNA from the proteins in had any resistant bacteria through its bacteria and how it has made its way the scat. After spinning it at 12,500 DNA. To test the DNA, our helpers into our ecosystems through the rounds every minute, the chemical and placed a sample in a gel-like substance overuse of antibiotics by humans. We various proteins had been separated to and ran a 100-volt current through it. At would like to thank Macquarie University the bottom of the tube. The DNA was the bottom of the machine was a strip of for this opportunity. left at the top. We then poured the a positively charged metal. If the DNA Zac Burkitt (9/FL) and chemical out and kept the DNA that sample had any resistant bacteria in it, Connor Pidcock (9/MA) Greek students awarded Three members of the Newington presented the awards to students who Modern Greek class of 2017 have been excelled in HSC Modern Greek, recognised in the Athena Awards for Classical Greek and HSC Ancient Excellence in Hellenic Studies. History. The HSC Examining Committee selected Six Newington students achieved a Band the top 10 students in the state for the 6 in Modern Greek in 2017. Awards. James Calfas, whoreceived an HSC mark of 98 per cent and was placed As well as the boys who were awarded, third in NSW for ModernGreek, and excellent results were achieved by Danny Christos Mavropoulos and William Kalis, Connor Mavridis, Eric Keramianakis, Cassimatis, who got 97 per cent, all Alexander Dracopoulos, Alexander earned nominations. Doulougeris and William Lynch. The awards ceremony was held at Greek teacher Mrs Athena Spiroglou Parliament House on 8 February 2018. said the ongoing success of the Greek James Calfas, Mrs Athena Spiroglou, The Greek Consul General, Mr Chris class was the result of boys working well Christos Mavropoulos and William together, helping each other and revising Cassimatis at the Athena Awards at Karras, and the Liberal State Member Parliament House for Baulkham Hills, Mr David Elliot, using past HSC papers. OPPORTUNITY| NEWS AUTUMN 2018| 15