Science Week

Happy Science Week!

We have just celebrated National Science Week! The Science team transformed our basement into a gallery to highlight innovation and future industries. Students enjoyed the robot-making code, reflected on the changes in energy production and wondered about Blue Carbon industry in our mangrove corner. 

We had daily PCG quizzes, to test student Science knowledge, and the winner will be announced on Monday Week 5. Even the staff have been involved with their annual Science Week Quiz, ensuring much competition and collaboration in the staff room.

Ruffling Feathers

On Thursday, WA Birds of Prey visited our Year 7s, educating them on the different raptors found in WA and showing them raptors that reside in the Perth CBD. 

Students were amazed by the size and beauty of these birds and were fortunate to have an up-close encounter with the Wedge-tailed Eagle. 

Two students have shared their experience from the WA Birds of Prey incursion: 

Ailin Race, Year 7, writes: 

“The birds were fascinating to look at -  with the wing spans, facial expressions and the overall colours! Each raptor was menacing-looking while still maintaining an adorable appearance! The eagle's wingspan is 2m; the Boobook owl is one and a half years old; and Whistling Kites actually whistle! Also, we got to pat  some of the birds (they were so soft!) and hold the Eagle. She weighs 3.5kg! 

Tom Marco, Year 7, writes: 

“Our visitor, Mike, showed us a few birds and told us lots about them, like how long they live for and what species they were. He even let us hold a Wedge-tail Eagle!  I was so scared to hold it, but I knew that I was in safe hands and if anything went wrong I would be ok. This was by far one of the best incursions I have ever experienced. Thanks to Mike and all the teachers. I had a great time, and I’m sure everyone else did too!”

Zipping to the Zoo

The Year 12 ATAR Human Biology students visited Perth Zoo on Thursday, observing the primate exhibits and engaging in a lesson identifying evolutionary trends in our closest relatives. Students were amazed at the similarities seen in the great apes, and Ms Donovan was impressed with their knowledge shown in the classroom lesson. 

Murdoch University ran their Scintillating Science Week Quiz for our Year 9 and 10 students. We had some great results, with Finn, Chris, Zara, Adam , Federico in Year 9 and Nash, Hamish, Caedyn and Aroha in Year 10 leading the way. Congratulations. We hope you are enjoying your prizes from Murdoch University. 

Forensics Day

We have wrapped up Science Week with the annual Forensics Day in the laboratories. Our Year 8 students have been engaged in learning about the skills required to be a forensic officer, and then honed these skills in a series of activities, including fingerprinting, handwriting analysis, DNA extraction and blood spatter analysis. The day culminated in the group solving the terrible crime in the Lab next door. Our beloved Head of HPE teacher, Ms Scheele, had been murdered by an unknown assailant! Using their observational skills, their forensic techniques and scientific communication they worked together to prove beyond reasonable doubt who the killer was. 

It's been a fantastic week!

Happy Science! 

Miss Charlotte Donovan 

Head of Science