REPTILE ENCOUNTER

It’s not every day you come across a crocodile in your classroom, a lizard in the library or a snake across your shoulders but that’s exactly what we got this week in Science when a wildlife show came to school. Josh, our Wildlife Ambassador, provided an unforgettable reptile show that gave everyone in the audience the chance to interact with the reptiles and other animals. As we are about to begin Classification in Year 7 Science, this experience gave students the opportunity to learn about the reptile kingdom and the classification system in an interactive way.

ASTRONOMY NIGHT

The stars were back and the Big Dogs were out at the first astronomy night for 2017, here at Footscray City College. This was also our first opportunity to both welcome Clare Kenyon from the University of Melbourne Astrophysics Department and Telescopes in Schools and to say thank you and goodbye to Jacinta Den Beston who has moved into the teaching program at the university. After a few intial teething problems, a good turn out of students, parents and friends marvelled at the distinct patterns on display from the atmosphere of the biggest of dogs, Jupiter, and with such a clear night we were also able to see four of the Jovian moons. Please keep an eye out for the next Astronomy night later this term.

STELR PROGRAM

Students in Year 8G were fortunate to spend a whole day investigating renewable energy sources at Ecolinc in Bacchus Marsh on Wednesday 22/3/17. The students spent the morning conducting experiments using the STELR equipment. The STELR Program is a hands-on, inquiry-based, in-curriculum program designed for Year 8-10 students where students can explore different types of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

The students were investigating all the different variables that affect the power output of solar photo-voltaic cells and wind power generators. They explored how the voltage of the light globe shining on to the solar photo-voltaic cells, which simulated sunlight, affects the power output. They also explored how the number of cells connected in series and how the distance from the light source to the solar panels affected the power output.

They then built a model wind turbine and explored how the blade length, the blade angle and the number of blades affected the power output of the turbine. After lunch, the students were shown how the design features of a building can help to conserve energy. They were lucky to be given a talk on the different types of wind power generators. The students had many questions to ask about wind farms and some of the engineering principles employed in their construction. At the end of the day they came away feeling very informed about the issues surrounding the use of renewable energy.

Michael Hardiker - 8G Science Teacher

PEDAL POWER MOONLIGHT CINEMA: PEDALLING FOR THE FUTURE

In an exciting collaboration with Maribyrnong City Council, Footscray City College students, teachers and the community got pedalling to help create enough power to screen Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Volunteers pedalled their way through the day and night on specialised bikes to generate enough energy to power up a full feature movie screening to celebrate Earth Hour’s 10th birthday. The Pedal Power event demonstrated just how much energy is required to power the everyday technology that we all use, prompting us as a community to reflect on the necessity of sustainable energy solutions for our future. This was highlighted when a slowdown in pedalling resulted in a temporary loss of picture.

This initiative included a free bike valet service, prizes for bike riders and a free bike tune-up service. This component was supported and funded by Council’s Sustainable Transport department. Thank You!

As part of delivering a contemporary science program, Footscray City College students undertake studies in environmental science and sustainability. The college is continually developing our specialised Environmental Science Centre – for student activities and community learning workshops. Most recently Penny Woodward and Richard Rowe from Sustainable Gardening Victoria hosted two weekend workshops covering

How to create a "whole of environment garden" where pests and predators live in balance
What plants to grow in your garden to help manage pests
Tricks, traps, collars, barriers to manage pests
Sustainable Home Grown Garlic Master Class (who doesn’t love garlic?!)

A special thanks to Sasha Roos from council for her generous support and especially to our Environmental and Sustainability coordinator Michelle Sanders for her tireless efforts in making this event a success and for getting the Sustainability message out there to the school and wider community.

SPARK ENGINEERING CAMP

Spark empowers students in grades 10 - 12 to pursue further education pathways and realise their potential!

Spark is about connecting with students who might not normally consider going into tertiary education after school, and sharing some of the inspiring experiences and opportunities that university has to offer. Every activity at Spark is based around engineering, whether we are building bridges or walking over them. Throughout the week students will attend lectures, take part in hands on practicals, and socialise, similar to a University student.

Some of the most popular activities include the Story Bridge Climb, keynote speeches from prominent engineers, the disco, and the powering cities workshop in which teams of students were given the opportunity to put their skills to the test in constructing an electrical network for a suburb.

SPARK is a Youth Without Borders Initiative. Youth Without Borders empowers youth to work together for positive change within their communities. Youth Without Borders is a youth-run community project coordination organisation that facilitates development, links, networking and support for youth and their wider communities internationally.

For more information go to http://sparkengineeringcamp.ywb.com.au/students.html

FOCUS ON MELBOURNE, FOCUS ON YOUR FUTURE

Tuesday 16 May – Wednesday 21 June 2017

The Focus on Melbourne information evenings give you the opportunity to explore your study options and choose your pathway to success at the University of Melbourne

Register now to get all your questions answered and make an informed choice.

Explore majors, breadth options, electives, internships and research opportunities in your chosen faculty
Map out your pathway to graduate study and career possibilities
Work out how to see the world while studying overseas
Enrich your degree with a Concurrent Diploma in an area you’re passionate about
Hear from current students and staff, and get a glimpse of uni life first hand
Confirm prerequisite subjects and entry requirements, including for our Special Entry and Access Schemes.

Registrations essential. Please click the link below for event dates and venues.

https://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/explore/events/victoria_and_interstate/victoria/2017-focus-on-melbourne?mc_cid=da6f7aace0&mc_eid=27bd315ecc

NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE FORUM

The National Youth Science Forum is a 12 day program for students entering year 12 who are passionate about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). The Program is designed to give students a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in STEM and to encourage them to continue their studies in these fields. At the NYSF Year 12 Program run in January each year, participants will:

visit science and technology related laboratories and facilities,
go on site tours,
listen to lectures,
take part in workshops,
go to social events, and
participate in group activities that improve communication and presentation skills.

Participants also take part in sessions on entrepreneurship, critical thinking, how to work together effectively, and more. The focus is not solely on academic achievements, but on developing well-rounded individuals who have the skills and confidence to determine their futures.

To apply for the NYSF Year 12 program, you must:

be in year 11 in the year you apply, to attend the following January,
be an Australian citizen or resident, and/or studying full-time in an Australian high school, and
be considering pursuing a university degree at an Australian university to study science, engineering, technology, or a related discipline.

More information is available from the links below.

The normal cost of the program is about $3000, however, I have two 75% sponsorships available from Rotary and Western Wells.

Interested students should see Adam Taylor.

IDAHOT DAY

CELEBRATION - TUESDAY 16 MAY