Science News

Year 7 Science classes had the opportunity this week to learn about the Indigenous constellation of the Emu in the Sky. They heard about it from Science Teacher Mr.Dodds as well as Indigenous Astronomy experts Karlie Noon and Pete Swanton via YouTube. They then took notes on how this dark constellation was used to determine what time of year to collect Emu eggs as well as using it as a seasonal calendar. As you can see from the photos they got to hold Emu eggs to appreciate how big they really are and how this once was a vital food source for Indigenous Australians.

They then ventured outside to observe the Sun using a Solar Telescope that has a special filter that only lets a very small fraction of the light through. Disclaimer: Do not look at the Sun with a normal telescope! They saw sunspots, solar flares and the surface granulation. A great way to end their studies of Astronomy and the Solar System.

Year 10 have been busy this term learning about all things Chemical Reactions. One of the reactions they carried out was between an acid and a base. This reaction when coupled with Universal Indicator makes an awesome rainbow coloured column with a variety of colours that show a pH gradient from basic at the bottom to acidic at the top. Some groups were pro's at getting the balance right between acid (Vinegar) and base (Sodium Carbonate).