SCIENCE AND MATH 2016

Mathematical Art

By Annabel Grigg

Maths Teacher

In issue #17 of the Secondary iNewsletter I introduced 8B Maths' exploration of the connection between Maths and Art as part of our Geometry & Measurement unit.

Students studied the work of MC Escher, researched other modern artists who use tessellation and looked for tessellating patterns in their daily environs. At the culmination of the unit, students adapted and transformed shapes to make their own tessellating patterns.

The students loved considering how they could use simple polygons to form more complex patterns, as well as adding colour to create intricate designs.

Biological Illustrations Elective 

By Sarah Alexander

Science Teacher

During Term 4, the Biological Illustrations elective has studied a range of marine invertebrates. Students used dissecting microscopes to examine specimens and see the textures and patterns up close.

After weeks of practice we set out on a field trip to Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary and the Melbourne Museum. Ricketts Point was windy but students happily sat on the rock platform, pencil and paper in hand, to draw rockpools, 'pineapple seaweed' and 'Neptune's necklace'. We also set off down the beach collecting, observing and discussing why a sponge will squirt water and how to tell if a crab shell is the result of annual moulting.

After a terrific morning we jumped back on the bus to head to the Discovery Centre at the Melbourne Museum. The museum staff were so generous and students were able to have specimens removed from the catalogue drawers to sit and sketch.

As a group we created a special fundraising activity that we would love the Preshil community to support. We have designed and printed a set of notecards with student drawings from the elective. We hope to raise funds for Zoo Victoria’s Seal the Loop who try to keep Port Phillip Bay free from fishing line which affects the lives of marine birds, fish and mammals. Available at both Blackhall Kalimna and Arlington receptions, each set has 11 cards and costs $5 . Call 9817 6235 to order.