Science

As Term 2 comes to a close, it is a great opportunity to reflect on the exciting learning experiences that have taken place across our Science classes. 

Our Year 7 students were treated to a colourful density tower demonstration that brought the properties of matter to life. Using layers of strawberry topping, dishwashing liquid, coloured water, vegetable oil and methylated spirits, students observed how liquids of different densities form distinct layers. A variety of objects, including cereal, pasta, sultanas, screws, rubber stoppers and plastic caps, were then placed into the tower, settling at the point where their density matched that of the surrounding liquid. 

The demonstration also provided opportunities to discuss viscosity and solubility, making it a memorable and engaging way to explore key scientific concepts. 

In Biology, our Year 10 students have begun developing and refining their exam study techniques. Students focused on effective revision strategies, including summarising information, creating mind maps and making connections between the concepts studied throughout the semester. These skills will continue to support their learning as they progress through future Science subjects. 

Meanwhile, our Year 11 Biology students took a brief break from trial exam preparation to put their knowledge and recall skills to the test in a creative challenge. Working in teams, students raced against the clock to construct models representing key biological concepts. Their first task involved building a plasma membrane and demonstrating how substances move into and out of cells. Their second challenge required them to model the stages of cell division. It was a fun and collaborative way to reinforce important content while developing teamwork and communication skills. 

Over the past two weeks, Year 10 students completed their first semester examinations, while our Year 11 students sat their first VCE examinations. We congratulate all students on their efforts and commitment throughout the examination period. We encourage students to reflect on their performance, carefully consider the feedback provided by their teachers, and use this feedback to set goals and continue improving throughout Semester 2. 

A student perspective...

“Hey, do you want to hear a fun fact about Science?”

If you’ve heard those words, they’ve likely come from me. I love Science. I mean, who wouldn’t? The subject is truly amazing, there’s nothing I enjoy more than learning about, teaching, and engaging in all the incredible fields of Science. However, there is one branch in particular I enjoy just a little more than the rest; and that’s Chemistry.

One of my favourite experiences in school has been the Year 9 Atoms and Matter unit. I loved the content explored throughout the chemistry unit. We learnt about atoms, radiation, matter and even the history behind the atom. Personally, the best part of it was learning about the periodic table. It was so fun to learn more about it, as the periodic table was what really got me into chemistry. I think just the words “periodic table” sound so science-y! Now I know how to read the table, why its structured the way it is, and the trends and patterns present in it. My favourite experiment in the topic was the flames test, where we explored energy shells and how different metal salts reacted when exposed to a flame. The colours were so beautiful, and the experiment was conducted with surprising ease. In my opinion, potassium made the prettiest colour; a light centre that bled into a lilac shade.

But what truly made that unit so memorable were the incredible people I worked with. I’d like to give a special thanks to Miss Kosach, my Science teacher, who has guided me through this unit and taught me so many new things. She has made learning an experience I can look back on with pride and joy. I’d also like to take this moment to appreciate my classmates. Through that unit, my classmates were willing to teach me, learn from me, and experiment with me. I know that I would not have enjoyed that unit nearly as much as I did without my exceptional classmates by my side.

Overall, I have embraced this opportunity to learn, grow, and even teach. I can firmly conclude that chemistry is my favourite science, and that’s no debate! So, hey, do you want to hear a fun fact about science?

Did you know that the half-life of a carbon 14 isotope is 5700 years? That means it takes THAT long for even just one atom to decay halfway! I love sharing this fact as carbon is my favourite element (and the best one at that!), and I find isotopes and radioactive decay extremely fascinating! Violet Ding - Year 9

We wish all students and families a safe and enjoyable holiday break and look forward to another exciting semester of Science learning in Term 3.

The Berwick College Science Team 

Rebecca Kosach

Learning Leader - Science