Physics

Science Talent Search Term 1 2019

This year Kew High School has more than 20 students from Years 7 to 10 participating in the Science Talent Search. The Science Talent Search is a statewide competition that provides an exciting extension opportunity for students interested in science. Students are able to select from a range of project types including model making, inventions, scientific investigations, creative writing, photography and game making. Some of the exciting projects include:

  • An oscillating-piston engine by Lachlan McConnell (8H)
  • Investigating edible drink bottles by Luke Allen and Ketav Shah (8H)
  • Using Python to make a text adventure game by Felix Gyomber (8E) and Andreas Papadopoulos (8I)
  • Investigating the growing conditions of the Balsamina water plant by Archie Critchell and Gabrielle Teng (8I)
  • Photography of native plants by Maya Twigg and Hannah Musgrave (8I)
  • Photography of common beetles by Daniel Senn-Sanger and James Christopoulos (9G)
  • A model of the Challenger Tanks by Harry Forbes (7A)
  • A ‘pickle-jar’ opening device by Marco Katsieris (7A)
  • A portable cup-holder invention by Andre Bekos (7D)
  • Short-stories examining the moon and outer-space by James Pringle (8B) and Adam Bleby (7A)

It has been fantastic to see the hard work applied to the extraordinary range of projects from these students as they embark on the Science Talent Search journey that culminates in the presentation of their work to a judging panel in August.

Luna Park 2019

On the 8th of March, as part of their studies of Circular Motion, the Year 12 VCE Physics cohort of about 50 spent the whole day at Luna Park St Kilda to go on some rides and experience Newton’s Laws of Motion for themselves. Throughout the day we learned to apply our classroom knowledge within real world situations, analysing the motion of infamous and thrilling rides like the Carousel and the Ferris Wheel. We spent our day “circling” around the park, experiencing multiple rides such as the super-fast Enterprise; the relaxing Scenic Railway; and the intense Pharoah’s Curse, which was easily one of the favourite rides from the students (though, when coming out of the ride, many of us felt very much light headed).

As part of the excursion we completed a booklet about the rides, recording data first hand for our own calculations, thus reinforcing our knowledge of the laws of motion, and preparing us for the SAC. As some students missed on some data recordings, it would be great if we were given notice about all the data we needed to record beforehand. 

Overall, the Luna Park Excursion was a wonderful and fun experience for the students; even the teachers had fun trying out some of the rides!