Science

Scientists are forging ahead learning new things everyday and these new insights give many people a better life and a chance for improvement. In a recent documentary, science was again demonstrating this, as a little person with a severe genetic disease was gaining the benefit of genetic engineering by having the rogue DNA responsible for the disease replaced.  It is this advantage that science gives us, that we continue to educate our students for the future. 

On Thursday, 20 senior biology students with Mrs Morrison, their teacher, and Mrs Dumbleton, the bus driver ventured into the wild, wet, windy weather to update their learning on nutrient and gas uptake in the Murray Cod at the fish farm. 

The year 11 Biology class were so well behaved as they braved the coldest day of 2025 learning about Murray Cod. The students asked Tom, the manager of the farm, different questions on the gas and nutrient requirements of the fish throughout their lifecycles, to gain primary information for their research task. The students also ventured to the town library to sign up to gain access to state library resources. After lunch by the lake, decisions were made to leave the icy wind and conduct our research back at school in the laboratory. We collected some samples of the lake water and soil around the lake, debated whether to take a dead fish back to school, but didn’t,  and headed back into the warmth of the lab. Thank you for the fun day!

The year 9 are about to start their next assessment where they will develop a podcast on a disease. They will have to be different voice characters and be interviewed. There will be lessons where the students will get help and also investigate the iPads and Garage Band to record and use their creativity to develop their assessment. It should be fun and a great learning experience. Mrs Fletcher’s class did an experiment on Thursday to find the effect of temperature on enzyme activity as they continue to study Homeostasis. 

The Year 8 are developing their persuasive writing techniques by arguing their stance on the different sources of energy available and our use of the Earth’s resources. They will use science and data as evidence to support their argument.  Students will also have instruction and help during class time as they develop their assessment.

Mrs Dhanoa’s class had an experiment on Thursday where they modelled a thermometer and they did a great job showing how heat moves through liquids.  

The science labs and prep room are very busy places with lots of experiments each day. We thank our laboratory technicians, Mrs McIntosh, Mrs Geddes and Mrs Bull for their friendly and continual support. Their help is very much appreciated by the teachers and the students. 

The rain might be wreaking havoc with some plans but the gardens and the environment just love it.  It sets the scene for a relaxing cosy weekend. Enjoy!

Best wishes

Esther Dumbleton and Anneka Morrison (Biology Teacher)