Science
The launch of Term 3 had classes exploring the microscopic world, material science, and chemistry.
Year 7 dove into the world of cells. In the lab, students have shown their proficiency using compound light microscopes to examine strange specimen samples and also prepare their own slides from onion and banana epidermis, experiencing the microscopic world firsthand. Through this topic our students gain a real appreciation for the living world and just how connected all living things are by these tiny building blocks of life. Our students have been impressing us with their curiosity and have taken every opportunity for new discoveries in their work in the lab and the classroom.
Year 8 have been tracing the development of the atomic model, putting our giant laboratory periodic table to practical use as they study the building blocks of matter and finding out what might happen if they are combined in interesting ways. Some students also were lucky enough to get their hands dirty with some organ dissections connected to our previous topic of body systems after some difficulty in sourcing the necessary materials in term 2. While some students take to tasks like these quickly, it was definitely pushing the edge of some of our student’s comfort zones.
Year 9 are looking into Materials Science and have been evaluating the environmental impact of the mining industry, gaining an appreciation for the resources required to build our world and the specialised workers who make it possible. Weighing economic prosperity against land rehabilitation and environmental impact gave students a grounded appreciation for how Science informs modern societal choices.
More recently, it’s all about Chemistry! Year 9 students have been leveling up their understanding of atoms and getting familiar with the necessary skills scientists use to predict the result of a variety of types of chemical bonding. Our young Chemists have enjoyed this challenge and have shown great perseverance when learning so many new naming systems and bonding mechanisms.
Our Year 9 and 10 students also attended a forensic science event where they learned all about the scientific processes used in criminal investigation. Students examined a fictional crime scene using a range of forensic analyses and collected evidence to reverse engineer the events that occurred to find which character was responsible.
Additionally our Year 10 students have had the tasting plate of scientific fields of study in the first half of the year by studying a range of scientific disciplines across Chemistry, Physics and Biology. At the moment many are weighing up their subject selections for their HSC and considering their potential future of study in various scientific fields.
It was wonderful to discuss these exciting science pathways with so many families at the recent subject selection information night. Special thanks to Mrs Brennan and Mr Harland for their guidance during these sessions.
Mr Charlie Anderson | Science KLA Leader
