Celebrating Science Week
Louise Macfarlane, Academic Dean of Science
For the past few weeks at School, we have been celebrating all things science as part of National Science Week and our commitment to science education. Our Science teachers lined up some awesome scientific sessions for our students! Read below for the details.
Reptile Encounters incursion
The Year 2 and Year 8 students had a close encounter with Australian animals as part of Science Week. They received a hands-on understanding of the body systems of crocodiles, tortoises, a brush-tailed bettong, a pine cone lizard, a frill-necked lizard, and an olive python. Students were highly inquisitive, and had their many questions answered by an expert in Australian animals.
You can read more from the Year 2s about their experience of this incursion on the School Highlights page.
Year 7 Melbourne Zoo excursion
Year 7 Science students had an excursion to Melbourne Zoo as part of the Science Week. In keeping with their current studies on habitats, the students were taught by a zookeeper about structural adaptations in a range of animals.
Examination of the skulls enabled the students to be animal detectives, inferring the food eaten, time of feeding, predator-prey relationship, and jaw strength. Students also toured the zoo collecting information about their favorite animals, so as to be ready for their next topic, 'classification'.
Liquid nitrogen show
Kilvington students were treated to a spectacular liquid nitrogen show by VCE chemistry teacher, Mr Thompson. The show occurred at lunchtime and again after school for the Science Club.
Students observed a score of fun experiments, such as a frozen banana used to hammer in a nail, a frozen daffodil shattering like glass, a kettle full of liquid nitrogen whistle, and balloons contracting to flat and then inflating themselves. The show culminated with liquid nitrogen ice-cream and frozen marshmallows - delicious!
Hoverboard rides at School!
Anthony Johnston, Mathematics, Science and Systems Engineering Teacher
Students enjoyed an exhilarating adventure riding hoverboards that turned the School grounds into a futuristic playground. With laughter and amazement, they defied gravity. This thrilling activity was more than just fun – it was also a hands-on lesson in physics and engineering. By tilting and maneuvering, students experienced the principles of balance, motion, and aerodynamics, making Newton's laws come alive.
The hoverboard activity also encouraged teamwork and camaraderie. Cheers and encouragement filled the air as classmates shared the excitement of floating together. It was a reminder that collaboration enhances the thrill of discovery.
In essence, the hoverboard riding experience during Science Week was a fusion of entertainment and education, showing students that science is not only intriguing, but also a dynamic part of their world.
As they continue their academic pursuits, they'll carry the memory of defying gravity and the inspiration to explore limitless possibilities. Marty McFly would be proud!
Year 9 Space Rocks Masterclass
Michael Schmidt, Geography and Science Teacher
A select group of Year 9 students were invited to take part in the Space Rocks Masterclass. A PhD candidate from Monash University spoke to the students about the various possibilities involved in a career in science and the exciting places that it can lead.
There was also an extensive hands-on component where students had the chance to look under the microscope at Micrometeorites, tiny remnants left over from the formation of our Solar System.
Dissection Club
Years 7 to 12 students took the opportunity to dissect either a rat or a toad under the supervision of Rev Woodlock, Mrs Macfarlane and our Science Leaders, Victoria Hu and Anthea Diplaris.
The students were very respectful of the animals. Students were fascinated by the number of eggs found in the toads and the tiny heart and lungs of the rats. It was a learning journey for everyone.