Science 

There’s a bug in our water!!

Over 200 of our science students recently participated in a Petaurus Education workshop where they engaged in practical, hands-on activities with students surveying pond water, taken from Harrington Park Lake, and identifying a variety of aquatic life, including leeches, mosquito larvae, water boatmen, midges, water fleas, fish, and spiders. This immersive afternoon allowed students to explore the intricate web of life in their local environment and reflect on the significance of even the smallest organisms in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. The workshop aligned with the Living World learning outcomes in our Stage 4 and 5 Science courses, enhancing students' understanding of ecological principles including classification and adaptation. It was a highly engaging and educational experience that encouraged our students to think deeply about biodiversity and their role in preserving it. This event not only enriched their scientific knowledge but also sparked a greater appreciation for the natural world around them.

Mrs Ferris and the Science faculty

First Lego League Narellan 

Hosting the First Lego League Narellan Regionals for the first time was an exhilarating experience, bringing together teams from across Sydney to compete for a coveted spot in the Nationals. Among the competitors, three teams from EHS proudly showcased their impressive 21st-century and robotic skills, all while exemplifying gracious professionalism throughout the event. Although we did not advance to the Nationals, our hard work and dedication were recognised, and we proudly walked away with two trophies. 

The day was truly exceptional, marked by creativity, collaboration, and a friendly competitive spirit.

This semester has been packed with hands-on, engaging practicals that have brought key scientific concepts to life. Year 8 explored the Earth’s layers by dissecting Ferrero Rochers to represent the crust, mantle, and core, followed by a fun "mining" activity where they extracted chocolate chips from cookies, learning about geological processes along the way. Year 9 modeled the water cycle with a simple yet effective experiment: colored water in ziplock bags taped to windows, allowing them to observe evaporation, condensation, and precipitation in real-time. Year 10 took on a creative challenge by designing and building energy-conscious houses using recycled materials, focusing on sustainable architecture and energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, in Project Innovate, students are unleashing their creativity by designing and constructing cardboard arcade games. From painting their creations to collaborating on game mechanics, the classroom is buzzing with energy as they combine fun, imagination, and teamwork to bring their ideas to life.

Recently, students had an exciting incursion with sheMAPS, where girls, from the the Support nit, and selected Year 7 and Year 8 students had the opportunity to fly microdrones and learn from a drone expert. The session included insights into real-world applications, such as flying drones over beaches and mangroves, and hands-on coding to control the drones. Students practiced maneuvering the drones, tested flight patterns over maps, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The instructor was highly impressed, praising the group as the most respectful and engaged she has ever worked with—a fantastic reflection of our school community!

Some of our Year 9 Science students attended the CSIRO STEM Showcase at Camden Council Chambers last Thursday evening. They had an incredible opportunity to present their innovative projects to council members, STEM experts, and the community, receiving valuable feedback. It was an amazing evening and a remarkable experience for our students. Well done on completing your CSIRO Generation STEM Project, we are so proud of what you have achieved!

Science Faculty