Thanks to the BINTEL astronomers and their solar telescopes, students got an incredible (and safe!) view of our nearest star.
PLC Sydney’s bi-annual Science Festival ignited curiosity and excitement as students embarked on an intellectual adventure Into the Unknown: Science, Creativity and Ethics. From thought-provoking discussions led by renowned guest speakers to immersive workshops that blurred the lines between experimentation and imagination, the festival was a whirlwind of discovery. Students from Years 5–12 dived into hands-on experiences that challenged perspectives and sparked innovation, making this year’s event a resounding success.
This year’s festival focused on the ever-expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries, sparking discussions on its ethical implications and transformative power. Students explored AI’s impact on business, law, medicine, music, and the arts through a range of thought-provoking talks and hands-on activities.
The guest speaker lineup was particularly inspiring, featuring experts from diverse fields who shared their knowledge and experiences. From Dr Rebecca Smith’s insights on 3D printing of both food and speech pathology to Mr Joe Cincotta’s discussion on AI in wildlife conservation, each session challenged students to think critically about the world of tomorrow.
Other standout sessions included:
• Professor Matt Bower on learning for the future in an AI-driven world.
• Mr Richard Chew on the AI gold rush and its $21.3 billion potential.
• Mr Brett Feldon on the ethical dilemmas of biometrics and AI-driven surveillance.
• Ms Chelsea Gordon on the opportunities and risks of AI in healthcare.
• Dr Richard Savery and his AI-powered musician, Keirzo, in an interactive demonstration of AI’s role in music and creativity.
Beyond the keynote presentations, students had the chance to step into the world of science through immersive activities. The portable planetarium transported them to the depths of space, while Diver Dave’s oceanography exhibit allowed them to get up close with marine life.
Dr Sarah Golsby-Smith explored how classic literature predicted our tech-driven present—and what it might reveal about our future.
Students tested their engineering skills by launching rockets on Drummond Field, examined the use of AI in animation, and even sampled edible insect protein bars as part of a sustainability challenge. The AI and ethics workshop, where students designed their own AI-powered robot best friends, sparked discussions about identity, trust, and the future of human-robot relationships.
The festival’s spirit of curiosity and discovery was evident throughout the day. Whether debating the future of AI start-ups in medicine with Associate Professor Fiona Maclean, questioning whether machines can think with Rev Dr Chris Mulherin, or learning how to persuade parents with Mr Steven Lewis, students were fully immersed in the world of science and innovation.
Students got up close and personal with marine life during Diver Dave’s oceanography exhibit.
PLC Sydney extends its gratitude to all the guest speakers and presenters who made this event possible. Their generosity in sharing their expertise helped make this festival an enriching experience for all. A special thank you to Mrs Fiona Hendriks for her pivotal role in bringing this event to life.
With another incredible Science Festival behind us, we look forward to seeing how these ideas and inspirations shape the future thinkers and innovators of PLC Sydney.
With help from our Scientist-in-Residence and the Into the Unknown student committee, students launched rockets sky-high — competing for the furthest flight.