Science in Action at Glen Eira College

It has been a very positive start to the year in Science at Glen Eira College, with students across all year levels actively engaged in practical work in the laboratory.

Our Year 8 students and Year 7 SEAL class have recently been using microscopes to explore samples up close. Students have learned how to correctly focus and handle the microscopes and have approached the experience with curiosity and enthusiasm.

At the same time, our Year 7 students have been developing safe laboratory practices and working towards earning their Bunsen burner licences. This is an important milestone that ensures students can safely participate in future practical activities.

Students across the College have also been involved in a range of investigations in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, helping to build their skills and confidence through hands-on learning.

We are also looking forward to the completion of the College’s new Senior Building, which will include two purpose-built science laboratories. New equipment is currently being organised to support senior science classes and enhance practical learning opportunities.

The accompanying photo shows one of our classes during a recent microscope lesson and reflects the positive engagement students are showing in Science this year.

Erik Van Weeghel

Science Learning Area Leader

Career Opportunities in the Mining Industry

Karyn Gardner is an experienced Geologist who has worked in the Mining industry for over 20 years. She presented to both Year 11 VCE Chemistry classes about Career opportunities in the Mining industry as part of the STEM Professionals in Schools programme run by CSIRO. VCE Chemistry students had been learning about how metals are extracted and the wide range of technologies that require these materials. They had compared the difference between the linear ‘use and dispose’ economy and the circular ‘use and recycle/repurpose’ economy. 

The presentation looked at the following:

• 30 everyday things mining makes possible.
• Critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies (Copper, Cobalt, Nickel, Lithium, Chromium, Zinc, Aluminium and Rare Earth Elements).
• Comparing the amount of mineral inputs needed for an electric car vs a conventional car and an on-shore wind farm electricity generator vs a gas fired electricity plant.
• Realising the reality that recycling elements will not be sufficient to satisfy the demand for these elements and more mining will be needed in the future.
• Technological advancements happening to create a more sustainable industry.
• A typical day as a mine geologist.
• Site arrangements such as the Fly in, Fly Out (FIFO) roster.
• Career benefits.

Two quotes that really resonated from the presentation were: “Everything comes from somewhere. If it didn’t grow or doesn’t flow, it was mined.”  And “Be part of the solution.”

The students engaged well with Karyn and asked insightful questions. It opened their eyes to possibilities and realizing how critical the industry is to Australia’s prosperity.

This engagement supported the display in Room 5 set up as part of the ‘Not all Chemists wear lab coats’ series from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and ‘A future in Chemistry: Making the difference’ initiative from The Royal Society of Chemistry which opens students eyes to the wide range of careers possible with studying Chemistry.

Marc Lewandowski 

Chemistry and Science Teacher