SCIENCE

THE NEW YEAR 9 PSYCHOLOGY ELECTIVE

This year, a huge proportion of our Year 9 students have begun stepping into the fascinating world of psychology. In our new Year 9 psychology elective, students will explore how the brain and nervous system shape thoughts and actions, dive into the world of forensic psychology to understand criminal behaviour, and learn practical strategies for maintaining mental wellbeing. Through engaging activities, case studies, and real-world applications, this subject will challenge students to think critically and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others.

It has been a great start to the semester in Year 9 Psychology, with two big activities; “Making a Lolly Neuron” and the “Brain Cap” to kick off an action-packed and engaging elective. 

Katherine Johnstone

Head of Science

This semester during Year 9 psychology we have been exploring the brain & nervous system, ethics in research and neurons. We went more in depth by learning about types of neurons and the anatomy of a neuron. The highlight so far of this psychology elective has been the practical where we made a neuron out of candy. This was a really fun and delicious interactive activity to learn more about neurons! So far, this elective has been our favourite and something we are especially looking forward to is indulging in the world of forensic psychology.

Dhruvi Mittal & Meena Abhilash, Year 9

Psychology is a very interesting and engaging subject that helps you understand the structure of our brains, nervous system, how people process their minds, and a bunch of fun things for you to discover! Learn Psychology!

Daniel Chen, Year 9

Psychology healed my inner child, and I really hope that it continues to be this fun. Psychology rocks! ... Oh wait, wrong science.

Brendan Ji, Year 9

I really don't 'mind' psychology. Truly a fantastic science and the creative aspects are far more interesting than I would have thought.

Sam Coote, Year 9

Psychology is one of our electives for Year 9. Right now, we have been learning about the brain, its different parts and functions. During our study of the complicated yet intriguing characteristics of the brain, we performed an experiment. In which we were to create a neuron using lollies. It was so much fun working with each other exploring our creativity and making fabulous-looking neurons. And that’s not even the best part, after making them we got to eat all the lollies!!!!

Devika Rajesh Gayathri, Year 9

Psychology has definitely been one of the most interesting subjects I have done in McKinnon so far. From learning about the ethics of psychological experiments, to the different functions and parts of the brain, nervous system and neurons, it has been extremely fascinating! To help us learn more about the different parts of neurons, we made a model of one using different types of lollies, which helped build our understanding on the topic. I’m really looking forward to what is coming up in psychology!

Anastasia Saliba, Year 9

OUR YEAR 7S FIRST FEW WEEKS IN SCIENCE

This has been a big week for our Year 7s.

This week they have learnt to identify, locate, draw and recall the names of laboratory equipment as well as had their first taste of real science by measuring and mixing varying quantities of solutions to make a rainbow of colours across six different test tubes. Please see the attached images below.

As first timers in the lab, the Year 7s of form groups 7D & F did an excellent job.  Apart from a few test tubes meeting their maker, many groups were successful in creating a rainbow of colours as per the instructions of their first ‘proper’ experiment.

On Friday, some of our students also got their Bunsen burner licences. Each student had to successfully connect a Bunsen to the gas tap, light a match to ignite a flame above the barrel.  They had to demonstrate the competency of switching between ‘hot and cold’ flames.  There were a few nervous students who wore a brave face during the process. Collecting their laminated licences bought the colour (and smiles) back to their faces!

Mr Steven Kuruc

Science Teacher