Science Week
Louise Macfarlane, Head of Science
Across the month of August, Kilvington has been celebrating all things science as part of National Science Week!
Science week in the ELC
Our Science Leaders, assisted by a Science teacher, ran experiments with our three-year olds and pre-prep groups.
To invite curiosity and allow student investigation, the three-year old group used their five senses. They used sight (with thaumatropes and magnifying glasses), touch (mystery items in bags), smell (yummy smells in bags), sound (listening to their heartbeat with stethoscopes) and taste (sampling fruit). Afterwards, as a group, students discussed what they noticed.
The pre-prep groups conducted four experiments, guided by our Science Leaders and our Girls in Stem program participants. They looked at what melts, created a chemical reaction to make a balloon float, made colourful milk, and watched paper flowers blossom.
The ELC students were keen to explain what they'd noticed and asked many exploratory questions!
Science Week Engineering Challenge for Prep to Year 2
Twenty Prep to Year 2 students took on the engineering challenge to build the tallest tower using lollies and match sticks.
They planned their structures, and then worked as a team of four to build the tallest tower in 20 minutes.
Hazel Lindor, George Xu, Colette Salter, Chelsea Xie from Prep worked constructively together and produced the tallest tower. They received fun science prizes for their successful endeavors.
Science Week Engineering Challenge for Years 3 and 4
Twenty Years 3 and 4 students took on the engineering challenge to build a catapult, which had both accuracy and distance for a projectile. The competition was fierce, and the designs were hotly contested.
Students planned their structures and trialled their catapults, then made modifications for the best design.
Meenakshi Askok Varadhan and Sophia Zhang were the distance winners at 3 metres, 62 cm. Josh Leighton and Elise McGloughlin had the most accurate catapult, hitting the target cleanly. All winners received fun science prizes in recognition of their achievements.
Millie Simpson, the Junior School Science Leader, was an excellent judge for the competition.
Science Week Engineering Challenge for Years 5 to 6
Over lunchtime, a keen group of future engineers met with Ms James and Ms Bivard in The HIVE for their engineering challenge.
Students were tasked with designing and building the strongest paperclip chain, from which they had to suspend a bucket. The bucket was then filled with weights to test the strength of their design. Each design was unique and demonstrated the students' problem-solving skills.
Oliver Kwan was the Engineering winner, while Layla Korenko, Ryana Shi and Cherry Nguyen received the Teamwork award.
Years 7 to 12 Liquid Nitrogen Show
On 7 August, Years 7 to 12 were treated to a liquid nitrogen show in The HIVE. Mr Thompson hammered a nail into a piece of wood with a banana, shattered daffodils, shrunk balloons, exploded cylinders, and generally provided a fabulous display with liquid nitrogen.
To top it off, the Kilvington Science Leaders used liquid nitrogen to whip up delicious choc-chip and berry ice cream, which was eagerly enjoyed by all.
After school, Science Club members were treated to their own liquid nitrogen show, rounding off an unforgettable day of science.
Hoverboards activity for National Science Week
Anthony Johnston, Science and Systems Engineering Teacher
Our hoverboards - cleverly crafted from plyboard and tough plastic, and powered by a leaf blower - had students grinning from ear to ear! Harnessing the magic of forces, air pressure and electrical power (while absolutely chewing through batteries), these DIY creations gave everyone a thrilling ride.
From their very first spin, kids were hooked - many came back for multiple rides, eager to feel that smooth, floating glide again. A brilliant blend of engineering ingenuity and pure fun, proving once again that Science Week is all about learning and laughter.
Senior Science Pizza Trivia Lunch in The HIVE
On 11 August, more than 60 students from Years 8 to 12 took part in the annual Science Pizza Trivia Lunch in The HIVE. The event was hosted by our Science Leaders - Alexis Liew, Alyvia Liew, Avery Liew and Isabella Ou.
Student teams battled it out across challenging categories including Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space, and Physics. The competition was fierce, and the skill level impressive.
Congratulations to the overall winning team from Year 12: Matilda Dehne, Jozef Wong, Caleb Mendez, Lachie MacDonald, Charlie Sherman, Lavanya Subbarayalu, Anna Zolotareva and Elijah Slavinskis.