When we applied to take part in the NSTF Malta Student Science Forum last October, little did we expect to travel to the Swiss Alps in August. But after we placed second in the local competition, NSTF gave us the opportunity to join the International Wildlife Research Week.
Together with other students from all over Europe we conducted fieldwork and research in the Unesco Biosfera Val Mustair in the Swiss Alps.
Working in small groups, we literally brought what we learnt in class to life through experiments and research.
From testing water quality to studying insect populations and grass snakes, we were able to apply what we learnt at school in a unique environment.
Together with tutors and other students, we researched, discussed and presented our work.
It was a memorable experience where we made new friends, discovered new cultures, and above all, learned in a full-immersion experience while appreciating nature’s beauty.
To us, the International Wildlife Research Week brought an end to a unique journey that started in October. As science students at St Aloysius’ College, we decided totake part in NSTF’s annual Malta Student Science Forum. At the forum, we learnt and researched about quantum physics, which sounded daunting to say the least.
But we grew a certain affinity with the subject and were able to field questions put to us by the academic panel.
Now that the journey is over, we look back and reflect on our experience. It will definitely remain as one of our best learning experiences as students and which we will cherish into the future. The science forum helped us to develop self-confidence and other soft skills which we will all find useful in our future working lives.
The NSTF also organises the Science Expo and other science programmes for primary and secondary students.
These programmes are essential in increasing awareness about science and scientific enquiry through a hands-on manner.
Participating in experiments is probably the best way to fall in love with science. Through its work, NSTF is contributing to Malta’s pool of science graduates.
As a new academic year is about to start, recommend the NSTF programmes to all students.
From our experience we can say that the programmes are a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop your skills in a fun yet enriching manner.