In a triumph that is ‘out of this world’, a team of Year 6 students from Mater Dei Catholic Primary School Ashgrove West has skyrocketed to success with their invention that aims to attract and remove space junk from the orbit of the Earth.
Facing off against a stellar line up of 95 other teams, the Mater Dei Catholic Primary School invention named ‘Out of this World,’ earned them the Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) Executive Director Award at the 2023 BCE STEM MAD Showcase competition.
Unique to BCE schools, the competition showcases and promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning initiatives, encouraging students to solve real-world problems.
The Mater Dei Catholic Primary School ‘Out of this World’ team was chosen to represent BCE at the STEM MAD National showcase in November, competing alongside three other BCE schools – All Saints Primary School Albany Creek, Marymount College Burleigh Waters, and St Mary’s College Maryborough.
Team member and Year 6 student Jacob Lawsen said the invention was inspired by his Australian Defence Force (ADF) upbringing.
“My mum is friends with an Aeronautical Engineer in the ADF,” he said.
“I felt really inspired by them and invited them to speak to my Year 6 classroom about space junk.
“After learning how small space junk is a big issue because it can cause collisions with satellites in space, our class decided we wanted to make a difference.
“We created a magnet which could attract small space junk in Earth’s orbit, sending it back down into Earth’s atmosphere where it burns up.”
Mater Dei Catholic Primary School Principal Donna Jones said it is important to nurture students’ unique talents and interests.
“In doing so we can empower our students as individuals and also fortify collective responsibility, creating global citizens who give back to their communities and galaxies beyond,” she said.
Jacob’s mother and Captain Nursing Officer Fiona Lawsen said since starting at Mater Dei Catholic Primary School in Year 5, she feels “Jacob has had the opportunity to shine like a star.”
“Our new school community has gone above and beyond to support Jacob’s interests and aspirations,” she said.
“In the few years he has been at the school, Jacob has taken part in robotics, coding, chess club, athletics, cross country, and the BCE STEM MAD Showcase.
“All of these extra-curricular activities have supported his growth and have set him up for success in secondary school and beyond.”
Mater Dei Principal Donna Jones said the school’s proximity being less than 10 minutes from the Gallipoli Barracks makes Mater Dei Catholic Primary School a school of choice for Defence families such as Jacob’s.
“It uniquely positions us to understand and support Defence families,” she said.
“This year we had more than 80 members of our school community attend the Returned and Services League Ashgrove ANZAC Day march and commemorative service, underscoring our community’s commitment to honouring the sacrifices of our Defence personnel.”
Find out more about BCE schools, conveniently located in suburbs surrounding Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera in Brisbane and RAAF Base at Amberley in Ipswich, and how they support Australian Defence Force families at:
bne.catholic.edu.au/defence
Main picture (From left to right) Jacob, Charlotte, Matilda, and Laura – the Year 6 Mater Dei Catholic Primary School team behind the invention ‘Out of this World.’
