Future Problem Solving Nationals

On Saturday, the Year 8 Future Problem Solving team of Elena Butler, Emily Studiman, Ava Stanieg and Meckenzie Stanieg represented the College and Queensland at the Future Problem Solving National Finals. Due to COVID restrictions, the Nationals were relocated from Melbourne to Moreton Bay College and students in lockdown states participated virtually. Teams from 56 schools and colleges from around Australia took part in the competition.

Since their selection to participate in the National Finals, the girls have been researching Personalised Medicine of the future, including CRISPR-cas9 genome editing, pharmacogenomics and Values Based Health Care initiatives. At the event they had to respond to an unseen future scenario by collaborating to identify problems and come up with solutions and a plan of action. The team based their solutions on digital twin technology and a plan for companion diagnostics.

Emily, Ava, Meckenzie and Elena also had the opportunity to present their plan of action as a short presentation, using their creativity to write a script and create props in a short time frame. To add complexity, all teams had to incorporate two mystery props and a mystery phrase into their presentation.

The girls had a fantastic time and came away from the event feeling accomplished and energised. They were recognised by the State Convener as excellent ambassadors for the College, based on their enthusiastic and positive participation.

The results of the National Finals will be announced at the virtual Closing Ceremony on Friday.

Mrs Jo Belchamber, Head of Learning Enrichment