Two Gymea Technology High School students were among the winners of a national award for their 'big idea' on how to clean up our oceans.
Alexe Usher and Tahlia McLellan were named in the top six for ANSTO's 2020 Big Ideas Competition announced recently for their idea - a robotic fish that will collect microplastics from the ocean.
The Big Ideas competition invites students to investigate a major scientific discovery by an Australian scientist that inspires them, then use that as inspiration for their own 'big idea', which must apply science to solve a modern-day problem.
The pair presented a report about the Australian Microplastic Assessment project by doctors Michelle Belwitt and Scott Wilson, and built on the idea by pitching a 'Micropoly Anemone Fish' to collect microplastics.
Their science teacher Evelyn Kalergis said the girls worked tirelessly through their lunch breaks during term 2 and 3 of last year to develop and create the fish, which removes polymers - plastics that are composed of very large molecules - from waterways.
"The robotic fish is designed to remove polymers from our rivers, waterways and lakes before they end up in our oceans," she said.
"The robotic fish moves according to the current and uses solar energy to mimic a fish's normal movements.
"Within the robotic fish you have a spongy material that has a favourable environment, which will store bacteria-eating plastic that will break down the polymer.
"The robotic fish also has a double-carbon filter to remove any excess junk that becomes trapped within the fish.
"The fish will be monitored through a GPS system and its filter replaced every month.
"The idea is to reduce plastics in our oceans and protect our endangered marine life."
Ms Kalergis and the students, who are now in year 11, won a week-long science camp at ANSTO, Lucas Heights, where they will visit the OPAL multi-purpose reactor, the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, the Australian Centre for Accelerator Science and the nandin innovation centre.
ANSTO's national education and engagement manager Rod Dowler congratulated the pair for their hard work and understanding of their project.
"A huge congratulations to the students for displaying an exceptional understanding of complex problems and issues far beyond their current level of education," Mr Dowler said.
"Their knowledge and ingenuity are proof the future of scientific discovery and innovation in Australia is in safe hands."
Mr Dowler said it was hoped the experience would offer an insight into the wonderful opportunities of a STEM-based career.
"We know that having interactions with some of Australia's best scientists and engineers will provide many of the 2021 students with an experience that will change the course of their life," Mr Dowler said.
Mr Dowler said entries are now open for ANSTO's 2021 Big Ideas Competition.
The competition is open to students from years 7 to10 who have a curious mind and passion for discovery.
Details: For more information about how to enter click here https://www.ansto.gov.au/big-ideas.
