Faculty News - Science

“Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” 

- Carl Sagan (Astronomer)

From the humble beginnings of obtaining a Bunsen Burner license, learning about taxonomy and levers in Year 7, to now in my final year of education, studying forces in Physics and tackling the concepts of chemical reactions in Chemistry, my science knowledge has increased significantly. However whilst it may seem that my junior level science classes were quite rudimentary in comparison to what I learn now, I often look back on how the science concepts I have learnt throughout my times in Mazenod have shaped the way I live my life. The life-changing nature of science is what I believe Sagan attempts to convey in his quote. For example, my journey walking up the steep hill that is Monash Drive is no longer a lonesome walk to school, but rather an opportunity to reflect on the forces that I experience on my body, from weight to the normal reaction force, as I move up the inclined path. Unpacking the weekly groceries is no longer just an excuse to get away from schoolwork, but now a chance to reflect on my chemistry knowledge especially when looking at tin food cans and how electrolysis has played a part in its creation.

Such recognition of theoretical concepts in real-world applications was manifested in the Physics Luna Park excursion. Now don’t get me wrong, it was a great day out from the rigorousness of VCE studies. Seeing some 18 year-old “men” scream like babies and of course, being criticised by Mr Stoforidis for my driving abilities in the dodgem-car rink was something I probably will not forget. Ultimately the excursion was instrumental in enhancing the Physics knowledge of our cohort. I, like many other Physics students, was able to view the concepts we had been studying through rides such as the roller coaster and the dodgy Luna Park ferris wheel, experiencing first-hand the forces on our bodies. This event enabled students to expand their body of Physics knowledge and further develop their way of thinking, just as Sagan attests. I would like to thank the three great teachers that make up our Physics department (Mr Georgios Stoforidis, Mr Michael MacNeill and Ms Divya Mrock) for making the excursion exciting and memorable. 

Shyan Punyadasa

Year 12 Student

on behalf of 

Mr George Stoforidis

Science Coordinator

Years 10-12

&

Ms Jennifer Vissenjoux

Science Coordinator

Years 7-9