Science - Key Learning Area in Focus

For the third consecutive year, our Chevalier College has claimed victory in the prestigious Southern Highlands Science and Engineering Challenge. This remarkable achievement secured us a spot in the highly competitive NSW State Finals, where we proudly placed 5th. The Science and Engineering Challenge provides students with invaluable hands-on experience in applying STEM principles to real-world problems. It fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and innovative problem-solving skills, empowering students to tackle complex engineering tasks while preparing them for future careers in science and technology. The team’s success reflects their dedication, problem-solving skills, and innovative thinking in tackling complex engineering challenges.

In other exciting news, students who attended the University of New South Wales (UNSW) during the summer have successfully completed their Science Extension Major Projects. Their research focused on modifying medicines to enhance their effectiveness, providing an excellent demonstration of how students can contribute to real-world scientific inquiry. These projects showcase the future of science, with our students gaining hands-on experience in addressing critical global issues. Their work highlights the potential for young scientists to make significant impacts in the medical field.

Nominations are currently open for Year 11 students to take up Science Extension in their final year. Students will dive deeper into real-world scientific research and explore advanced topics beyond the classroom. This course offers a unique opportunity to develop independent research skills and contribute to innovative solutions in fields like medicine, astronomy, and quantum computing.

We are also excited to announce our participation in the upcoming Hydrogen Grand Prix, thanks to the support of the Hydrogen Race Car kits and Horizon Education Renewable Energy kits provided through Regional Industry Education Partnerships Training Services NSW (Illawarra North, Shoalhaven & Southern Highlands).As part of a cross-curricular project between Science and TAS, Year 9 students have explored sources of renewable energy. Using the Horizon Education kits and school resources, students conducted hands-on investigations into various renewable energy technologies. They constructed and tested wind power generators, solar panels, hydrogen cells, hand-crank generators, electrolytic cells, and thermoelectric generators. The unit culminated in a practical assessment task where students designed and tested their own wind turbine blades. Each student presented their findings in poster format, received peer feedback, and made recommendations on the most suitable renewable energy source for nationwide use in Australia. Building on this experience, the Year 9 iSTEM class will now construct two hydrogen-powered remote-controlled race cars to compete in the H2Grand Prix against other schools from the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, and Southern Highlands regions. We are very excited to be involved another example of authentic science in the classroom.

Over the last few months, the Science team has been out on several excursions. The Chemistry class attended the University of New South Wales to research spectroscopy, where they looked for biosignatures distant planets, searching for signs of life. The Engineering Studies class visited Mittagong aerodrome and the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Nowra where they investigated aircraft design and evolution. Biology visited the Museum of Disease, also at UNSW, where they were able to investigate first-hand the impacts of the diseases they were studying in class. Coming up in November Year 7 will visit the Sydney Zoo where they will gather data and research ecosystems and the impact of human activity on these. These excursions further develop links between the science covered in class and that of the wider world, a major focus of the science team here at Chev.

Tim Byrne

Leader of Learning: Science