Science/STEM
Ms Smrithi Buyya
Westall Secondary College
Here is what's happening in Science and STEM
Ms Smrithi Buyya
Year 7 Science
This term in Year 7 science students have been learning about forces and simple machines. To extend their learning and provide hands on experiences the Year 7 cohort took a trip to Sienceworks Museum. During the excursion the students were given opportunities to interact with a planetarium show, visit the exhibits and experience the show on non-contact forces such as magnetism and electrostatic forces. The students really enjoyed the main exhibits and did a great job volunteering and answering questions from the presenter.
The Year 7 students are currently learning about simple machines with a focus on pulley systems and levers. After wrapping up this content the cohort will begin to explore the solar system and the many wonders that it contains!
Year 12 Headstart
A few of the VCE teachers were able to spend some time in the lab prepping for the incoming Year12 Biology Headstart program that will commence during Week 9. Students will be practicing loading and running electrophoresis gels to gather data on the length of DNA samples from different fictional patients. This is so that the students can determine which influenza strain the fictional patients are infected with. The teachers had a great time in the lab channelling their inner scientists.
Ms Megan Fisher
Science Teacher
Year 10 Science works
Our Year 10 students visited Scienceworks for an exciting day of hands-on science exploration. They experienced the “Beyond Perception” exhibition, where they discovered how science helps us understand the invisible forces, waves, and fields that shape our world. Students also enjoyed a breathtaking planetarium show, “Black Hole: Journey into the Unknown,” which took them on a cinematic adventure through space and time to explore the mysteries of black holes and the universe. The excursion deepened students’ curiosity about the unseen aspects of physics and astronomy and connected beautifully with their classroom learning about energy, forces, and the Universe.
Ibtihal Mahmood
Science / STEM Teacher
iCreate STEM visit to Quantum Victoria
Our iCreate STEM students recently visited Quantum Victoria, where they explored the exciting world of robotics and automation. During the session, students learned to program autonomous LEGO cars, tackling a series of hands-on coding challenges that tested their problem-solving and teamwork skills. From navigating obstacle courses to perfecting precise turns, each challenge encouraged students to apply computational thinking and creative design. It was an engaging and inspiring experience that brought real-world STEM applications to life!
Ibtihal Mahmood
Science / STEM Teacher