SCIENCE
YEAR 11 GTAC EXCURSION
The KSC Year 11 Biology class visited GTAC recently to undertake an inquiry into prenatal and predictive genetic testing, taking on the role of genetic counsellors.
They began by exploring chromosome abnormalities created during meiosis. They used fluorescence microscopy to view the results of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation (FISH) genetic tests to diagnose chromosome abnormalities in embryos.
They then performed a Guthrie test, used to diagnose if babies have Phenylketonuria (PKU). They investigated the inheritance of this disease through other tools and techniques for testing DNA. After collecting results for the gene responsible for the disease, they used their results to construct a family tree. A fun and informative day!
YEAR 12 GTAC EXCURSION
Year 12 Biology Students recently had the opportunity to extend their learning and participate in a practical laboratory workshop at Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) in Melbourne to supplement the Unit 4 Biology Curriculum.
The workshop topic was ‘Responding to pathogens and generating immunity’. Students performed diagnostic tests to identify the causative agent of an outbreak of mastitis in a cattle herd and determined the bacteriostatic dose of antibiotic for treating this outbreak.
Students also constructed a model to represent how mammals acquire active immunity against tetanus. They perform an ELISA test and applied their knowledge of acquired immunity to trace the primary and secondary immune response to tetanus vaccine in a herd of cattle.
YEAR 10 APPLIED SCIENCE
Year 10 Applied Science students, through their recent studies in Genetics, worked out the genetic combinations of Ma Potato and Pa Onion, and created their own vegetable offspring. There were varied traits inherited from the parents, and many statistics gathered and compared. All new baby boy onion, and girl potato offspring arrived safely, and the parents were very proud!
Year 10 Applied Science students are about to begin the Cows Creates Careers program as part of their Science curriculum. Last week they constructed a calf yard in anticipation of the calves arrival. We owe some BIG THANK YOU's to Michelle Axford, our industry advocate, for donating a gate, AG Warehouse Korumburra for fencing and posts, and Daniel for the shed.
8A SCIENCE
Year 8A have been investigating the human eye, visible light and colours. The 8A students have been thoroughly enjoying participating in practical science.
SCIENCE WEEK 14th - 18th AUGUST
SCIENCE WEEK CAME EARLY
Like Minds students had a visit from the National Quantum & Dark Matter Road Trip crew. They learnt about the potential of quantum technologies and the hunt for dark matter. Dark matter is one of the biggest mysteries of the Universe, and Australia is a key player in the quest to figure it out.
Our students asked some thoughtful and interesting questions and the QDMroadtrip crew may very well have inspired the next generation of scientists and engineers in our society.
