Science and STEM Update

Dear Families, Students and Community Members,

Science exploration with passionate science teachers at Mordialloc College.  

A range of fun experiments and hands on learning experiences were available for parents and prospective students during our Open Night. The popular dry ice demonstrations with Year 7s and the making of Oobleck Slime was a big success and had visitors keen to try things out.

In our STEM Lab, Year 9 students have been exploring solar power toy cars and robots which were on display during our Open Night. STEM allows students to connect science, maths and technology. Our students enjoy the hands on approach to Physics concepts and attempt to solve real world solutions.

This year we are running Year 11 Applied Computing. Students have been learning data analytics skills and Python programming, in preparation for their collaborative Innovative Solutions projects, which is an opportunity to combine their new skills with their creativity to solve problems. 

Student designed investigations are a big part of senior science. Year 11 Biology students undertaking  Unit 1 are looking at factors affecting the heart rate of Daphnia. Students are making great use of the digital microscopes expanding their understanding of the freshwater invertebrates.

A number of students are involved in looking after our beloved resident animals: the mice, the fish and Murray the turtle. Once again, some very lucky students were able to look after the animals during the school day. If you are keen to volunteer to help care for our animals please come and see the teachers in the Discovery Centre.

Students  keen on cyber security are encouraged to speak to Mr Belluzzo for CyberTaipan - Australian Youth Cyber Defence competition due to start in August.

The Science and STEM department are looking forward to Science Week in August which involves numerous science related activities happening each day during lunchtime. Students are encouraged to bring in some of their scientific questions to challenge staff.

As the universe is continually expanding, so too is the Science and STEM area at Mordialloc College. 

We look forward to an even bigger Semester 2 2021.

Maria Bitzios

Science and STEM Learning Area Leader