Science News

We are already halfway through the term and engaging in some great science. The Year 10 and Year 8 classes have just started their student research projects that are mandatory for Stage 4 and Stage 5. 

They will conduct their experiments and write a report on what they find.The Year 8 are focussing on living things and the factors that affect their growth and reproduction. They have been encouraged to look around their garden or in the fridge or pantry to explore what resources and what questions they can get from home about plants. Year 10 are encouraged to explore a wider range of inquiry questions. Some of the ideas expressed so far are so diverse but so interesting, that I can't wait to see what these creative young scientists decide to investigate.

The Year 9 will also be embarking on their own investigation in the form of a literature review related to matter or electricity. Teachers will use this to explicitly teach the components of a literature review and develop student capacity to recognise false news. This will definitely be a much needed skill as we are involved with AI. Year 7 are studying forces and will soon be involved in their first depth study in science. The syllabus is due to change in 2026 with the implementation of depth studies for each year level. 

The staff have been encouraged by NESA to include these in our current courses and introduce them to students over the next two years. To that end, we have a depth study developed on the force of hot air. This is an opportunity to also teach numeracy for science and circular speed as the students develop a carousel. History, STEM, numeracy and literacy have all been included in the teaching of this science. I am sure we will finish our term on a high.

The Chemistry students have had some disappointments as they try to understand the process of crystallisation, but like all scientists, they just keep trying and learn as they go. Resilience and determination is evident in these future chemists.

Thumbs down was the thought for the day but tomorrow, we might have thumbs up! Meanwhile the Year 12 Chemistry students have had their titration skills tested and they all did very well. Mr Webb was so impressed with their concentration values, that he was almost jumping with glee and took lots of photos!

We would like to welcome Mr Howard Symmes who has joined us from Chile via Nowra. He is enjoying the local produce and dry warm weather of Griffith and we are very grateful for his expertise and company.

Best wishes

Esther Dumbleton Science Leader of Learning