Feature KLA -
Science
Mr Daniel Fittler
The Science faculty at O’Connor comprises of David Lush, Bryan Allerton, Nicholas Bolger, Brad Powers, Shane McCann, Regina Menz, Daniel Fittler and our lab technician Liz Brown. These are the people who are responsible for the nurturing of curiosity and scientific inquiry of every student who passes through O’Connor.
In the past week, students at O’Connor have been celebrating SCIENCE WEEK. There have been challenges, quiz questions, treasure hunts and in-class activities that give students more reasons to enjoy Science.
"Two blood cells fell in love. Alas, it was all in vein."
This year there were 50 questions around the school which took the form of either the daily quiz question, one of 5 daily challenges or part of 2, 10 question treasure hunts. The students would have to scan the QR codes that were activated each day for the challenges and the daily question. This meant that the treasure hunt QR codes could be “hidden in plain sight” so that students had to answer the first question before being told what the second checkpoint to the treasure hunt would be.
"Sodium captured and dragged chlorine, this is a salt."
The daily quiz question would be taken from the Year 7 syllabus so that students from all year groups could answer the question. The winner was decided by randomly selecting a student from the pool of correct answers.
A hydrogen atom walked into a bar and said: “I have lost an electron”. The bartender said “are you sure?” and the hydrogen atom said “I am positive?
Students had a lot of fun with the daily challenges. The challenges ranged from telling science jokes, some of which you see throughout this article, finding Science memes on the internet or taking photos of activities that the students have completed.
Have you got any sodium jokes? Na, me neither
The treasure hunts were structured so that students knew where to start but after that, they would have to correctly answer a question before they were told the location of the next checkpoint. All the while, the treasure was hidden somewhere on the school grounds. The way the treasure hunt finished was that the final question directed the students to a locker that was locked with a combination lock. Students had to decipher the code for the combination lock by using their knowledge of the periodic table.
PHOTO: Students using their knowledge of the periodic table to decipher the code in the treasure hunt.
Two people walk into a bar. One tells the bartender (who is a chemist) that he’ll have some H2O. The other says. I’ll have some H2O too!. The second person died.
At this time, students were also completing their student research projects. These projects are experiments that students conduct to use the scientific method in order to identify and explain any trends that they observe. There is always a range of wonderful ideas that the students decide to test. This year was no exception.
Q: What is the name of the first electricity detective? A: Sherlock Ohms
Science Week culminated in a class to class battle between students on the online learning platform “Education Perfect”. In this challenge, students were awarded points for completing work that was set in class. The student who had the most points at the end of the week earned a $30 voucher and the class that had the most points at the end of the week earned $100 worth of food that goes towards a class party. This year the individual student winner was Fletcher Schultz in year 10 with Jasper Saker coming a close second. The class that won the party was 8 Science 4.
A photon checks into a hotel and is asked if he needs any help with his luggage he says no thanks, I'm travelling light
Feature Teacher
Feature Teacher
This week I thought that I would put myself under the spotlight.
What is your full name?
Daniel Fittler
What schools have you taught at?
Gloucester High School, Gunnedah High School and O’Connor
What years and subjects are you teaching?
Currently, I have year 7 Science, year 10 Science, year 9 iSTEM, year 11 Physics and year 12 Physics.
What jobs have you had?
I have been a builders labourer, a wool handler, a wool presser, a farmhand, a newspaper deliverer, a telemarketer, a tutor and I have grown corn to sell by the roadside.
What kinds of hobbies and interests do you enjoy?
I am a tinkerer. I have a real passion for sustainability and making things from scratch. I work on projects like collecting apples to ferment the juice so that this can be used to power a lawnmower. I have learnt to code by running lunchtime clubs with students and I use this knowledge to code Christmas tree lights and design automated chook houses.
Where have you lived?
I am from Armidale and have lived most of my life here. I have also lived in Gloucester and Gunnedah.
What do you like about O’Connor
It is a place of huge opportunity. If you can think it, then there is a way to weave it into the everyday life that you experience here. It is always the people that make the place. The staff and students that you encounter here have got your back and will go the extra mile to make sure that you are supported and have what you need.
Where are they now?
This week we caught up with past student (2019) Taryn Ramage.
What Year did you complete the HSC?
2019
What did you enjoy most about attending O’Connor Catholic College?
I really enjoyed the quality of learning and the teachers were so supportive and really encouraged me to do the best I could in all aspects of school life.
Where are you now? What are you studying/doing?
I'm currently having a gap year working casually at Coles and part-time at O'Connor as Lasallian Youth Minister. I'm saving up to move to Brisbane to start studying in a Bachelor of Engineering.
What have been your future aspirations?
Right now, in the current climate, my aspirations are to get through this roadblock and come out the other side with a new perspective and better skills to adapt to any situation. I strive to keep developing the skills I've learnt during my schooling and my job as an LYM in the future.
If you were to give HSC students some advice to succeed in their final year what would it be?
If I could go back a year from now and tell myself one thing, it would be "just do you". All you can control is you and you can only do as much as you set your mind to. I know it's cliche but it's really true. Just don't stress and be happy with your effort and the results will come.
What is one of the most memorable moments from your schooling at O’Connor?
Getting the opportunity to go to Sydney in April last year and participate in LYG. Which is where all the Lasallian schools around the district come together to celebrate what it means to be Lasallian. It absolutely changed the way I see myself and others. Best three days of my life.
What’s next for you?
I honestly have no clue, I'm still trying to figure out what it is I want to pursue. Right now I just want to get through this year and move away to start studying in 2021.
Any final words of advice to O’Connor students?
These years are some of the best years of your lives. I know school can be a challenge at times but being able to be in such a supportive environment with your closest friends around you, really helps you push through. Try and have some fun and work hard :)