The BioCATS program is going from strength-to-strength in 2024, with a rollout of new stations now complete in the program that looks at the maths and science behind football.
A collaboration between the Geelong Football Club and BioLAB: Victorian Bioscience Education Centre, and proudly supported by Bisinella Developments, the BioCATS program not only educates but inspires young minds, showcasing practical applications of science and maths.
Last month, Geelong Cats players Mikayla Bowen and Darcy Moloney were on hand to try out some of the new stations that have been rolled out in the program across 2024, including new activities which encourage students to use their mathematical skills to graph and analyse data collected across a number of physical challenges.
The players also shared their insights as elite athletes into what helps them perform at their peak.
More than 15,000 students have been through the BioCATS program since its inception in 2012, learning about the science and maths of football and high-performance sports.
The program gives students insights into the work that goes on around what happens besides just playing football on game day, including sports technology, nutrition, high performance testing and data analysis.
The BioCATS program has been built to encourage students to apply the science and maths concepts they learn in the classroom to the real-world scenario of sports and human performance.
Students learn about Australian Rules football both as a sport and through the lens athletes, but they also learn about themselves and how STEM skills are used in everyday life.
Geelong Cats player Mikayla Bowen said:
“To see it come to life is really special. It’s such great content involved in the program, it’s so crucial to these kids’ development.
“Thanks to Bisinella for supporting such an incredible program, and BioLAB for putting it together and putting so much work into it.”
BioLAB Director Yvonne Van Der Ploeg said:
“It’s genuinely exciting to see students’ reaction and enthusiasm when they are applying their mathematical skills or investigating scientific principles whilst they are moving and using their body to explore concepts and apply their learning.
“We are excited to add and improve student activities that mimic the experiences athletes go through during draft camp and training. It provides a realistic experience and allows students to learn and challenge themselves in a unique way.”
Bisinella Developments Director Richard Bisinella said:
“We are thrilled to see students continuing to embrace and enjoy the BioCATS program at GMHBA Stadium. It’s truly rewarding to see the impact it has on so many young lives.”
