Science in the Classroom
Melbourne Indigenous Transition School
Science at MITS: From the Earth to the Stars
There has been plenty of hands-on learning, curiosity and discovery happening in Science at MITS!
Our Year 7 students have been exploring Earth Science, investigating the forces that shape and change our planet. Students have modelled the rock cycle using lollies, explored plate tectonics using Mars Bars, demonstrated how tornadoes and cyclones form, and put their engineering skills to the test by designing houses that could withstand an earthquake.
Meanwhile, Year 8 students have been looking beyond our planet and exploring Space Science. Through our Deadly Scientists partnership, students have been working with astrophysicist Krystal De Napoli. Students were in awe hearing about her journey through school and university, with some reflecting afterwards that they too would like to become scientists.
Students have created models of the Milky Way and Solar System, investigating scale, the planets and their movement. They have also explored the relationships between the Sun, Earth and Moon, including seasons, tides and eclipses, while considering both Western scientific and First Nations perspectives and knowledges of the sky.
It was also an honour to have the Deadly Scientists join us at the MITS Gala. It was particularly inspiring to see MITS graduate Kendyn, now studying at the University of Melbourne, there alongside the Deadly Scientists mob. Seeing where learning can lead provides a powerful example for our current students and reminds us of the exciting pathways that Science can open.
From modelling rocks and earthquakes to exploring planets and stars, our students are learning that Science is all around us, connects to culture and Country, and can take us in some pretty exciting directions.
By Sasha Koomen