Science

Another strange year has come to an end and have you all witnessed the importance of science to our health and well-being. Remember the lesson to evaluate your sources of information to ensure that they are valid and reliable. Be aware that social media is most often not a valid source of information.

Since returning to school this term science classes have been focusing on their Working Scientifically skills that they missed out on while in lockdown. 

Year 7 have been investigating forces, learning about the different types and what they can do. They have been able to apply their knowledge to justify why the Earth is definitely not flat and the importance of forces in our everyday lives.

Year 8 have been conducting chemistry experiments to distinguish between chemical and physical change. Some of the students made bread to investigate the importance of fermentation on making it light and fluffy.

Year 9 have studied the structure of the Earth and how the surface is broken up into large plates that are moving. These moving plates cause huge changes to the Earth’s appearance, building mountains, volcanoes and can result in earthquakes and tsunamis. They have applied what they have learnt to explain why there are marine shells found in the Himalayan Mountains.

Year 10 completed a collaborative project where they worked in groups to create a presentation on a Global Issue. The students covered a range of issues such as water and food availability, disease and vaccination, greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution and ozone depletion.

Year 11 have started their Year 12 courses and are working hard on their assessments for Term 4. Students are encouraged to spend some time in the holidays establishing their study routines and starting their summaries for the module they have studied in Term 4.

The students may have noticed some changes to the G block vegetable garden. Some Year 10 students have been helping Mr Jones set up a sustainable permaculture environment. Under the guidance of Mr Grant, the students have created layers of cardboard, shredded paper and organic material to increase the level of carbon in the soil and to reduce weed growth. 

On top students have made a geodome covered in chicken wire. This will house some chickens who will add more organic material to the soil, eat the weeds and provide us with some eggs while cycling carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus creating a sustainable system. 

Keep watching this space in G block as this progresses into next year.

Mrs Louise Watkiss

Head Teacher Science