On Wednesday, 11 June, the Year 12 Investigating Science class participated in a Science Conference where they presented research that they had been conducting over the last two months. Each researcher presented their findings to an extended audience.  The students produced a complete scientific paper ready for publication.  Below is the abstract of the reports they created, which provides a brief summary of their research and findings.

Does Sleep Duration Correlate with Mood? - Alistair Byrnes

This report examined the amount of sleep people get and how it is linked to their overall well-being. It was found that people who sleep between 7 and 9 hours each night usually have better moods than those who sleep too little or too much. I used both research from other studies and my survey to arrive at this conclusion. The survey showed that people who slept less than 6 hours often felt more tired, sad, or moody. It also showed that sleep quality (like not waking up a lot during the night) matters just as much as how long you sleep. Overall, the results suggest that getting the right amount of good sleep can help people feel happier and more in control of their emotions.

What Factors or Experiences Most Influence Motivation to Engage in Physical Training - Dean Camilleri

This research examines the factors that motivate people to exercise regularly, particularly their impact on both physical and mental health. According to the World Health Organisation (2022), approximately 27.5% of people globally don’t get enough exercise, and nearly half of Europeans report never working out. Even those who join gyms often stop going within three months. In this study, individuals who exercised at least four times a week reported better mental health, scoring up to 0.8 points higher than those who were less active. There was a clear link between regular exercise and feeling mentally well, with 78% of respondents reporting that it helped improve their mood. People who exercised to stay healthy worked out for longer (around 50 minutes) compared to those focused on appearance (around 35 minutes), indicating that having deeper, long-term goals helps individuals stick with their exercise routine. A common reason for not exercising was lack of time; those affected only exercised about 2.8 days per week, suggesting the need for shorter, more flexible workout options that fit into busy lives.

The study also showed that gender and lifestyle affect how and when people exercise. Females preferred group settings, such as fitness classes or the gym, while males leaned toward outdoor activities or solo workouts. Students were more likely to exercise in the evening, while full-time workers preferred mornings. Group exercisers were also more likely (82%) to participate in fitness challenges than solo exercisers (58%), indicating that social support can enhance motivation. Overall, this research shows that exercise isn’t just about staying fit, it’s a powerful tool for managing stress, improving mental health, and building healthy routines. By focusing on meaningful reasons to exercise, making workouts more flexible, and creating comfortable and supportive environments, more people, especially young people, can build long-lasting, healthy habits.

Do You Believe Caffeine Consumption Improves Concentration and Productivity? - Dhruv Dawar

This in-depth study investigated whether caffeine improves concentration and productivity, a question relevant to many students who rely on coffee or energy drinks to stay alert. A survey of 75 individuals aged 15–25 found that most reported moderate improvements in focus, especially during study or work. Still, nearly 44% also experienced adverse side effects like anxiety, poor sleep, and energy crashes. Scientific articles supported these findings, showing that caffeine boosts attention and alertness, particularly when people are tired, but also highlighting that its effects vary depending on dosage, timing, and individual body chemistry. The report also explored the biology behind caffeine’s action in the brain, such as how it blocks sleep signals and increases stimulating chemicals like dopamine. Overall, the study concluded that while caffeine can enhance mental performance, it should be used with awareness of its limits and side effects.

Congratulations to all the young men who presented to an exceptional standard.  The calibre of every presentation was beyond expectation and worthy of presenting at professional conferences.