Science Sparks!

🔬⚛🔍Community of Schools Science Fair ⚗👩‍🔬🔭 

Last Thursday, Elderslie High School held its annual Science Fair. This year, Camden High School established an inaugural partnership with Elderslie as we were invited to participate and present our most exceptional Student Research Projects from years 7, 8, and 10.  

Two of our students, Lucas and Caleb, impressed the judges and secured 1st and 2nd place in the Stage 5 Student Research Category across both schools.  

Additionally, Lucas was fortunate enough to win the 'People's Choice Award' for Stage 5.  

Both of these boys deserve congratulations not only for their outstanding achievements at their own school but also for impressing the judges within our network.  

The event featured a variety of engaging science experiments, including sherbet making and edible bugs, along with representatives from the CSIRO and Camden Council.  

We hope that this event signifies a significant connection between the two schools, as we aim to expand and enhance this event in the years ahead! 

As Term Three comes to an end, the Science faculty is delighted to reflect on the range of engaging activities, practical lessons, and field experiences that our students have participated in across all year levels. It has been a term filled with hands-on learning, inquiry-based investigations, and strong student achievement in both classroom and practical settings. 

Year 7 students have been deeply involved in exciting practical sessions exploring electricity and magnetism. They conducted investigations on series and parallel connections, developing their understanding of how circuits behave under different arrangements. Alongside this, their lessons on forces and magnetism gave them the opportunity to connect scientific principles to real-world examples, sparking curiosity and strengthening their foundational knowledge in physics. 

Year 8 students completed their major assessment task this term, which required them to design and carry out their own scientific investigations. Each student selected a question to explore, planned a fair test, collected and analysed data, and presented their findings in a formal scientific report. This assessment not only assessed their practical and analytical skills but also encouraged independence, creativity, and deeper scientific thinking. The enthusiasm and effort shown in presenting their work was truly commendable. 

Year 9 have been working through the chapter on heat, with a focus on conduction and energy transfer. Their first-hand investigation using conduction rings allowed them to visualise how heat travels through materials and to apply theoretical concepts in a practical setting. This hands-on approach enabled students to showcase their laboratory skills while also fostering an appreciation for the importance of thermal energy in everyday life. 

Year 10 students have entered a critical stage of their studies, preparing for their end-of-term examinations. Their focus has been on structured revision, consolidating knowledge from earlier in the year, and applying scientific skills to examination-style questions. Teachers have been guiding students through review sessions, ensuring they are well prepared for assessments and ready to demonstrate their understanding across a wide range of scientific topics. 

Year 11 students enjoyed an unforgettable field trip as part of their Ecology unit, visiting the Oakdale Environmental Education Precinct. This camp provided them with a unique opportunity to engage in first-hand learning about ecosystems and environmental processes. Activities included ecological surveys, vegetation analysis, soil testing, and the study of interrelationships within natural habitats. Students were able to apply classroom concepts in a real-world environment, enhancing their skills in data collection, fieldwork techniques, and ecological analysis including a video presentation on ecological relationships. The experience not only deepened their scientific knowledge but also encouraged teamwork and appreciation for environmental stewardship. 

Year 12 students are in the final stages of their high school science journey, and the focus this term has been on thorough preparation for the upcoming HSC examinations. Across all science courses, students have been revising key content, refining their exam techniques, and practising extended response questions to ensure they are confident and well prepared. Teachers have been providing targeted support through revision workshops, past paper practice, and one-on-one guidance to help students strengthen their understanding of complex concepts and apply them effectively under exam conditions. In addition to content revision, students have been working on developing critical scientific skills such as data analysis, evaluation of experimental procedures, and clear communication of scientific ideas.  

As we close the term, we continue to thrive with a strong balance of theory, practice, and exploration. Each year group has engaged with rich and varied learning experiences, and we are proud of the effort, curiosity, and dedication demonstrated by all students. We look forward to building on this momentum in Term Four, with more opportunities for practical investigation, critical thinking, and scientific discovery.