Learning Updates

VCE Research Investigation

Welcome back to the VCE Chemistry classes after a longgggg time of no practical laboratory work. Our fabulous and amazing year 11s carried out their Research Investigation Unit 2 AOS 3 recently. There were some really interesting experiments including looking at the solubilities of ionic compounds and how materials dissolve at temperatures using various solvents such as zero coca cola and fanta! One experiment, see photo below,  focused on the effect of temperature on acids and bases over a temperature change. The experiment consisted of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide being heated in a water bath up to 80° celsius and the pH was taken every 10°C. The results showed the acids and bases were affected by temperature and became more acidic (decreasing pH, increasing H+) when they were heated.  So if you want a stronger taste of vinegar (ethanoic acid) on your chips you'll have to heat it up first :) Great work Year 11s - you are amazing!

Lakshmi Sharma

Dumpling Workshop

On Tuesday 25 AUG, Coburg HS was treated to an authentic dumpling virtual cooking demonstration from our very own two Chinese Mandarin teachers: Head chef Gu Laoshi assisted by Liao Laoshi. It was great to see students of all year levels, and not necessarily enrolled in a Mandarin class, and their families make both meat and vegetarian dumplings. For some it was a first time opportunity, and for others a chance to refine their skills and explore an alternate recipe. Following Gu Laoshi’s expert demonstration, some families even made the dumpling wrapper dough from scratch, with some unable to get to an Asian Grocers within their 5km limit at the time. From all accounts the dumplings were delicious with one family saying "best dumplings ever tasted".

More testimonials:

• “I learned how to make dumplings and it was great to connect with all the other people.” - Quinn, 7E.
• I decided to attend this event because “I've never made dumplings before so I thought it was a good time to try it.” - Lily, 8F.
• “I liked how much fun it was to see everyone cooking with me.” - Adele, 7H.

Simone Laiu

Tortilla Workshop

To wrap up term three, students from different year levels joined the Spanish Tortilla (Omelette) workshop ran by our very own "abuela madrileña" trained teacher Jess.

Students and some families joined this workshop and learnt how to properly flip an authentic tortilla. We danced to great tunes by special guest DJ SK. Students also got to learn or practise the names of some kitchen utensils and ingredients in Spanish. At the end of the workshop, students got to enjoy a delicious lunch.

Lourdes Garcia, Jess Griffiths, Natalia Lemos

VCE Drama Solo Showcase

Nothing was going to stop the VCE drama class from achieving excellence this year. The showcase evening was streamed live to the community with wonderful support and feedback. Students created and performed their own work based on stimulus material. I'd like to acknowledge the integrity of the entire class and ability to push through the challenges of learning a practical subject online. I couldn't be more proud of you all.

Sarah Kate Hanley