Since February, as part of BrainSTEM, we have been researching and testing ‘endophytes’. Endophytes are microorganisms that live within plants and have been shown to assist plants in managing stressors such as drought and insects as a result of climate change.
On Wednesday 18 June, we caught the train to Melbourne Central and arrived at RMIT’s Activator Building. We presented our presentation about endophytes to our parents and other families. Also in the audience were three judges with a great deal of STEM experience and they challenged and questioned us about the future of our initiative. Other schools were presenting their unique ideas as well and we were captivated to hear about their fascinating inventions and experimental journeys.
The whole opportunity was very exciting and packed with new learnings and productive discussions. We met up at lunch time once or twice a week to make progress and consider different aspects of our idea. We also had meetings with our mentor from BrainSTEM via google meet. She introduced the topic of ‘Endophytes’ to us and made us more aware of the things in our ecosystem. We were intrigued by these microorganisms and wanted to properly witness their magic.
So, we planted bean plants in a controlled environment; one set with the endophytes and one without. Elly, our mentor was able to provide us with an endophyte solution, which they developed from Potato skin fermentation in Swinburne University labs. The entire experience was one of a kind and we highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
We would also like to thank Ms Farrugia for guiding us through the journey and always being there for us. Also, Ms Matthews for accompanying us to the city for our presentation and being extra supportive! Thank you so much!
Mirelle L, Ritu A, Janet L & Alex B (9H)
