STEM News
Big Science Competition
The Big Science Competition is one of the biggest international science competitions. Questions are set in real-life, contemporary contexts, making them relatable and interesting. It is an easy way to challenge students from Years 7 to 10 and track their performance against state or national averages. East Doncaster Secondary College students performed above state and national averages in all year level competitions! Special mention to Ammaar, Ethan, Haoxiang, Minseo, Eddric, Henry and Ahmad for achieving a High Distinction. Congratulations to all students for their participation!
Australian Science Olympiads (Junior)
The Australian Science Olympiads are a staged science enrichment program for highly motivated students in Australian high schools. This challenging exam was run at the end of June and we congratulate Minki for achieving a High Distinction. Congratulations to all students for participating in the Junior Olympiads!
Middle School Science
This term the Year 7 students have been learning about the relationship between Earth, the Moon and the Sun. Students researched the significance of the moon from different cultural perspectives, and over the last couple of weeks have been working in groups to design an item of equipment for a Moon mission; designing their own space suit, designing their own rocket or designing their own parachute. In their groups, students have used the scientific method to develop a valid experiment to test their effectiveness of their design.
The Year 8 students have been learning how our bodies work thanks to the co-operation of systems that take food and oxygen to our cells, remove wastes, and keep us at the right temperature. A highlight for classes in the last week has been dissecting a sheep’s heart to look at the differences in wall thickness, the size of the right and left sides, and the valves to prevent mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
STEM Week @ EDSC
In recognition of National Science Week, a range of STEM-related lunchtime activities have been running for students to participate in. On Monday in the Impossible Challenges session, students worked in small groups to find solutions to a range of design challenges. They were given limited time and materials to work with so needed to collaborate and communicate effectively with each other.
On Tuesday and Thursday, students were given an opportunity to design a 3D model using TinkerCAD and then print it on a 3D printer . On Wednesday, a LEGO engineering challenge was presented to students who needed to use creativity and critical thinking skills in order to win the challenge. Thanks to all the teachers and students who participated in celebrating STEM Week @ EDSC.
Sally Polidano
Leading Teacher Science/STEM