Year 12 Physics Excursion

Students from the Year 12 Physics class attended the Australian Synchrotron on 21 July to gain hands-on experience of an important section of their curriculum:  interaction of light and energy.   

The excursion started with a guided tour of the Synchrotron where students were able to see the different uses made of this amazing facility. Thousands of scientists from around the world, working in both industry and academia, conduct experiments using this facility every year.  Students were able to obtain a deep understanding of how research using synchrotron and nuclear techniques delivers a wide range of benefits. 

The second part of the excursion consisted of specialised practical activities where students conducted experiments directly related to the theory they are studying in the classroom.  These sessions are the only hands-on experience in Australia that allow students to comprehensively explore the key syllabus concepts in the topics “How Can Waves Explain the Behaviour of Light?” and “How Are Light and Matter Similar?” 

Students came away from the excursion saying that Physics is the most fascinating subject that they are studying in VCE! 

Miriam Karelsky

Physics Teacher