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Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Throughout the GALS (Girls as Leaders in STEM) program, a group of Year 7 and 8 students have been developing their skills as young scientists, designers and problem-solvers by investigating real-world environmental challenges.
Working in teams, the girls moved through a detailed research and design process to develop practical solutions to issues linked to textile waste and pollution. Each group began by identifying a problem, researching the science behind the issue and considering how STEM could be used to develop an effective response. From there, the students tested ideas, refined their designs and evaluated how successfully their solutions addressed the original problem.
The Cause for Paws group investigated the environmental impact of unwanted and second-hand clothing. Through their research, the students explored how textiles can be reused rather than becoming waste. The group designed a project that transformed second-hand clothes into chew toys for dogs in animal shelters. The girls considered different materials and designs as they worked to create a product that could give unwanted clothing a new purpose while also supporting animals in the community.
The Fibre Fighters group focused their research on microfibres released from clothing during washing. The students investigated different fabrics to identify which materials produced greater amounts of fibres in wastewater. Using the evidence collected through their investigation, the group moved into the design phase and developed a possible solution to the problem. They designed and 3D printed a ball that could be placed inside a washing machine to help collect fibres before they enter wastewater and potentially make their way into the wider environment.
An important part of the GALS program was communicating scientific findings. Each group produced a scientific poster that outlined their research, experimental process, results and final designs. These posters were displayed at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre during the Term 2 holiday break, providing members of the wider community with an opportunity to learn more about the students' work.
The girls also travelled to Deakin University, where they presented their projects and findings alongside other GALS participants from across the Geelong region. This provided a fantastic opportunity for the students to share their ideas, discuss their research and celebrate the work of other young women in STEM.
The GALS program has provided our Year 7 and 8 students with an opportunity to develop their confidence, leadership, scientific thinking and creativity. Most importantly, the girls demonstrated how STEM can be used to investigate important environmental issues and design innovative solutions that can make a positive difference.
Feature
Events
Our News // 31 July 2026
Throughout the GALS (Girls as Leaders in STEM) program, a group of Year 7 and 8 students have been developing their skills as young scientists, designers and problem-solvers by investigating real-world environmental challenges.
Working in teams, the girls moved through a detailed research and design process to develop practical solutions to issues linked to textile waste and pollution. Each group began by identifying a problem, researching the science behind the issue and considering how STEM could be used to develop an effective response. From there, the students tested ideas, refined their designs and evaluated how successfully their solutions addressed the original problem.
The Cause for Paws group investigated the environmental impact of unwanted and second-hand clothing. Through their research, the students explored how textiles can be reused rather than becoming waste. The group designed a project that transformed second-hand clothes into chew toys for dogs in animal shelters. The girls considered different materials and designs as they worked to create a product that could give unwanted clothing a new purpose while also supporting animals in the community.
The Fibre Fighters group focused their research on microfibres released from clothing during washing. The students investigated different fabrics to identify which materials produced greater amounts of fibres in wastewater. Using the evidence collected through their investigation, the group moved into the design phase and developed a possible solution to the problem. They designed and 3D printed a ball that could be placed inside a washing machine to help collect fibres before they enter wastewater and potentially make their way into the wider environment.
An important part of the GALS program was communicating scientific findings. Each group produced a scientific poster that outlined their research, experimental process, results and final designs. These posters were displayed at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre during the Term 2 holiday break, providing members of the wider community with an opportunity to learn more about the students' work.
The girls also travelled to Deakin University, where they presented their projects and findings alongside other GALS participants from across the Geelong region. This provided a fantastic opportunity for the students to share their ideas, discuss their research and celebrate the work of other young women in STEM.
The GALS program has provided our Year 7 and 8 students with an opportunity to develop their confidence, leadership, scientific thinking and creativity. Most importantly, the girls demonstrated how STEM can be used to investigate important environmental issues and design innovative solutions that can make a positive difference.
