Science 

STEM: Imagining the Future 

On the 21st of November 2023, students enrolled in the STEM: Imagining the Future (Year 9/10 Science elective) were given the opportunity to visit the Royal Society of Victoria. We were able to dwell upon critical thinking questions and engage in a wide range of activities whilst also diving into the history of the Royal Society of Victoria. We were privileged to hear from Rob Gell, who is the Chair of the Royal Society of Victoria. He graduated from The University of Melbourne as a geomorphologist and taught Environmental Science and Physical Geography at tertiary level too. He was also a weather presenter for National Nine News, Ten News and later, Seven News for many years. 

Currently, we are working on our semester long research projects that are focused on our group’s chosen Sustainable Development Goals. We are meeting on a weekly basis with Sid Verma, who works for BrainSTEM. Sid is passionate about inspiring young people to explore the possibilities of a future in STEM. We look forward to working with Sid, Mrs Matejin, and our mentors for the rest of the semester on our research projects. 

Ava Hudaverdi (Year 9/10)

Suzanne Matejin (Teacher of STEM: Imagining the Future)

Year 9/10 Our Planet Earth

On the 16th of February, the Year 9/10 Our Planet Earth Science class had the amazing opportunity to visit the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre in Queenscliff.  At the centre, students explored the vast array of sea creatures in the touch tanks including sea horses, puffer fish and 11-legged sea stars. The students were able to learn about their habitats and their importance along the Victorian coastline. The class then headed down to the marina, where they eagerly boarded the boat that would take them to visit Chinamans Hat where many Australian Fur Seals relax in Port Phillip Bay and then on to Pope's Eye, where they saw the amazing Australian Gannets. Whilst on board the boat, students also had the opportunity to sort through an array of sea creatures that were brought up by a small dredger. These included sea stars, seahorses, decorator crabs, weedy sea dragons and sea cucumbers. A great day was had by all students, as they explored the importance of the biodiversity of Port Phillip Bay. 

Suzanne Matejin (Instructional Leader and Our Planet Earth teacher)