Science

News from Science

And just like that we are at mid-term in Science!

Year 7 to 10 Science classes have been working assiduously, refining their laboratory skills and learning about some fascinating content ranging from Forces and Simple Machines, to DNA and Genetics and early Chemistry. Homework Help is offered from Tuesday to Thursday, with Science teachers available, so students can get help with questions, or assistance in preparing for upcoming tests. 

The Year 10 Nobel class visited Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research on Friday 20th October. This full day excursion challenged students with learning about gene editing technology and provided an opportunity to work in a PC2 Laboratory, where they extracted and examined human cells that had been edited with a fluorescent gene. The students performed brilliantly on the day, appreciating the significant research being conducted at the Institute, and linking that to their studies in the Biotechnology unit. This week in the laboratories, we are attempting to make E. coli bacteria glow, by transforming the bacterial DNA with some jellyfish DNA! The Nobel Pathway has mirrored the content being taught in the Science curriculum, further developing confidence in the students’ knowledge on DNA and genetics. 

Our Year 11 Marine and Maritime Studies class visited AQWA last week, completing their studies on classification of marine organisms and ecosystems. Students enjoyed seeing the beautiful big sharks in the large aquarium and the ‘Danger zone’ with the blue-ringed octopus and the venomous stone fish. The adaptations possessed by these incredible animals truly mesmerised the students and this excursion has added to their concrete knowledge on marine fish. 

Congratulations to our Year 12s who have done us proud, finishing off the ATAR and APEx Science courses with great success.  While we now wait with great anticipation to hear how the ATAR examinations go, we also look forward to hearing from our past students about the many new adventures ahead of them. 

Happy Science! 

Ms Charlotte Donovan

Head of Learning Area - Science