Science

This week, we look forward to a welcome, albeit, a short break with the spirituality day and the long weekend.

We all need to meditate, rest and revitalise and I am sure that will give us what we need to complete the term.

Students are deeply involved in assessment tasks but these should be considered as a great opportunity to learn.

The Year 7 students are studying the physics of the simple machines we all use such as brooms, wheelbarrows and screw drivers. They will be developing a catapult and having some fun while they understand the physics of levers. They have just finished looking at magnets, appreciating the Earth’s magnetic field which shelters us from the radiation coming from the sun and of course, the electromagnets that are used with computers, medical imaging, cars, headphones, scrap yards and much more. Science is certainly everywhere we look!

Year 8 students are learning how to use the knowledge and understanding of science to influence people’s  thinking by developing a persuasive text on the use of the Earth’s precious resources. They will be gathering and analysing data to support their arguments. Again, the assessment is an opportunity to learn the art of persuasive writing while making sure that they know the science 

Year 9 students are studying Diseases, both infectious and Non infectious. Scientists around the world are collaborating on developing different vaccines in an effort to be prepared for the next pandemic. These students will learn how to create characters from the diseases and entertain and inform us on their podcast. 

Year 11 students of Biology are completing their Depth Study on sustainable fish farming which is so relevant for the Griffith area. The second section is creating a flyer to inform and educate the Griffith Community on the beautiful fresh Murray Cod that they can buy and enjoy from Aquna on Lenehan Road in Wickhams Hill. We would like to thank Aquna for their very generous supply of whole fish for dissection by the students who then looked at the different cells under the microscope.

Year 11 students of Chemistry have completed their introductory work on quantitative chemistry and were very impressed with their experimental yield of a precipitate compared to the yield that they calculated. Each experience is a learning experience and these students are mastering the chemical world as they should. 

Year 12 teachers and students are working very hard to complete Modules of work so that some time is available for practice and preparation for their trial exams. There will be an opportunity in Term 3 to have an online interaction with a HSC marker and teacher, where they will be able to gather further tips and clues about their preparation for the HSC exam. The more they work and prepare for the exams at this stage, the easier it should be to do their best work in the exams. As they say, “we all have our eye on the ball”. 

As we move into the long weekend, the moods lift and we take a nice breather. The rain will also slow us down and rejuvenate the Earth. Enjoy!

Best wishes

Esther Dumbleton ( Science Leader of Learning)