Year 8 Science

Choc-Chip Mining

After learning about rocks and minerals in Year 8 Science, the students had to use toothpicks as mining tools to extract choc-chips from the muffin ‘ores’ without spilling any crumbs outside the mining lease (placemat), or they incurred a fine (several choc-chips) for damaging the environment. They were also fined if the choc-chips contained too many impurities (crumbs). The choc-chips were stockpiled, weighed, and exported into the students’ stomachs. They then had to rehabilitate the mining site by reconstructing their muffins without the choc-chips. 

A special ‘thank-you’ to Mrs Bergen, our laboratory assistant, for baking the choc-chip muffins!

Geochemical Testing

From choc-chip mining to geochemical testing, our Year 8 ‘geologists’ tested various soil samples to determine a possible location of copper.

A  wire loop of the soil sample was placed over the Bunsen burner flame and the colour was observed. A green flame suggests that copper is present in the soil sample.

Big Science Competition 2022

The Big Science Competition is back this year for interested Year 7 to 10 students at Heatherton Christian College.

A 50-minute, multiple-choice question, the Big Science Competition tests how students can use their science knowledge and critical thinking skills to solve problems.

The first competition on Monday 2 May, 12:00-12:50pm (Period 4) will be for Years 7 to 8 students.

The second competition on Wednesday 4 May, 12:00-12:50pm (Period 4) will be for Years 9 to 10 students.

Each registration is $8. This can be paid through Qkr!, an online payment system endorsed by the College, or, it can be paid in cash at the College office. If you have any questions regarding payments, please contact the College office on 8551 6650.  

Please note: The closing date for the payment and enrolment is today, Friday 8 April.

Should you have any questions regarding the competition, please do not hesitate to contact me at carolyn.mclean@hcc.vic.edu.au.

Carolyn McLean

Head of Science