Secret Spies inspiring scientists of the future

Year 9 students at John Tonkin College in Mandurah are getting first-hand STEM experience on waterways in Peel and the South-West, through the Alcoa Foundation-supported Cybernetic Water Monitoring Project led by aquatic scientist Dr Alan Cottingham.

Now in its third year and run through the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University, the program uses sensors attached to mussels to capture live data, creating an early warning system for fish kills – the cause of which, Dr Cottingham said, is often unknown. 

Data collected will also help measure river and waterway health and understand potential climate change impacts. 

“We call the sensors the Secret Spies,” Dr Cottingham said.  “Mussels close their shells when they encounter stress, so monitoring shell closure signals is an early warning system for proactive detection of environmental issues like algal blooms.” 

Each of the six stations at Mandurah Marina, two at Murray River, Serpentine River, Harvey and Waroona is linked to a local school group. 

Dr Cottingham said the focus on the Year 9 STEM curriculum was introduced last year, with students getting first-hand experience in analysing numerical data, modelling shell opening using applied geometry and explaining biological responses and evolution. 

“Schools are increasingly expected to develop students’ data literacy, scientific reasoning, systems thinking, and understanding of sustainability and real-world decision-making,” he said. 

“Traditional textbook examples often lack authenticity and fail to show students how STEM learning connects to real environmental challenges.” 

“The focus in Year 9 is on water testing, so we have the students on site looking at the water chemistry,” Dr Cottingham said. “It’s a great way for them to bring science to life and start to think about some of the practical applications, and even what a career in science might look like, and it’s a part of the program I really enjoy.” 

The Alcoa Foundation was proud to support the work of local scientists invested in the Peel and South West regions, Caroline Rossignol, President of Alcoa Foundation said.  

“Supporting local scientific and environmental research with people who live and work in Peel and the South West, continues to be a priority for the Alcoa Foundation,” Ms Rossignol said. “The collaboration with Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute aligns with the foundation’s objectives to advance positive environmental outcomes.  The Institute has done a fantastic job engaging and educating the next generation to care for our waterways on a practical level, --and if it sparks an interest in a future STEM pathway – even better!”