Science News

Unit 1 Biology

In Biology this week, we investigated how different environments affect plasma membranes using beetroot discs. We placed the discs into water, pH 3, pH 10, alcohol and detergent solutions to observe how much betacyanin pigment leaked from the vacuole, helping us understand how membrane damage can affect cell function.

We found that the beetroot placed in water showed little to no colour change because the membrane stayed intact, while the other solutions caused varying amounts of pigment leakage as they damaged the membrane. This helped us understand how different conditions can affect cell structure and function.

By Yashica M (Year 10)

Science Photography Competition

The 2026 National Science Week theme is “Seeds of Science: Nurturing knowledge for all.”

This theme encourages students across Australia to explore how curiosity and inquiry help ideas take root, grow and spread. Just as seeds need the right conditions to flourish, scientific knowledge grows when it is nurtured, shared and applied to real-world challenges.

To build excitement ahead of Science Week in August, we are launching the Nossal Science Photography Competition! This is your chance to combine creativity with your passion for science.

Your photograph may connect to the Science Week theme or capture any scientific idea, concept or moment that interests you.

During Science Week (mid-August), entries will be displayed in a gallery, and judges will award Best Photograph in three categories:

1. Monochrome
2. Colour
3. Altered Reality: digitally manipulated or darkroom-altered images

Submission Requirements:

• Submit images in .jpg format
• Ensure sufficient resolution for judging and printing
• Cropping, straightening and minor exposure adjustments are permitted
• Digital or film photography can be used, but final submission must be as a .jpg file
• The photograph must have been taken this year
• Files will be submitted via email to Ms Green, so file size will need to be considered

Entries close Monday 3rd August.

If you’re keen to take your photography further, consider entering the Friends of the Australian National Botanical Gardens Schools Photography Competition as well. Details can be found here: https://friendsanbg.org.au/activities_schoolsphotocomp

Happy snapping and happy science-ing!

Science Competitions coming up

The Big Science Competition

Congratulations to all students who participated in this year’s Big Science Competition last week. It was fantastic to see so many students challenge themselves with complex scientific thinking and problem-solving questions. We are incredibly proud of your enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to extend yourselves beyond the classroom.

Junior Science Olympiad

Best wishes to the students preparing to compete in the Junior Science Olympiad. This is an exciting opportunity to apply your scientific knowledge and skills in a highly challenging competition, and we commend your dedication and perseverance in taking on this extra challenge. Good luck!