SCIENCE / AGRICULTURE 

NEWS

This term has been filled with discovery, experimentation, and enthusiasm in the Science classrooms from Year 7 to Year 10. Our students have been stretching their thinking, practising the skills of observation and analysis, and enjoying a wide variety of hands-on learning experiences.

Year 7

Last term, Year 7 students kicked off their journey in Science by completing an introductory unit called Observing the Universe. Students learned about the laboratory as a space for safe and careful exploration, gaining confidence using equipment such as Bunsen burners and measuring cylinders. The highlight was putting their skills into action through a range of experiments. In one memorable investigation, they examined how different cooking methods affect the taste and texture of popcorn.

This term has focused on refining their scientific skills through investigations into the different types of forces that affect the world around us. Students explored contact forces, such as friction, and non-contact forces, including magnetism and electrostatic forces. Through practical investigations, they observed these forces in action and examined how they impact everyday objects.

Year 8

Students have undertaken two units of study this term. The first focused on the many forms of energy we encounter, from kinetic to electrical energy. Students built circuits, experimented with conductors and insulators, and were thrilled to interact with the Van de Graaff generator, producing dramatic static electricity effects. This hands-on approach helped them make connections between scientific principles and real-world phenomena.

Currently, Year 8 students are exploring the world of chemistry, learning to identify and classify metals, non-metals, and metalloids. They are developing their investigative skills and will soon be challenged with a practical assessment. Using their observation and deduction skills, students will identify the properties of unknown elements, using tools such as the periodic table to solve scientific problems.

Year 9

This term, Year 9 students have focused their studies on Health and Disease. They explored how the brain and nervous system relay messages to control movement and regulate body temperature, investigating the body's homeostatic mechanisms through engaging practical activities. A highlight was a simulation activity in which students worked together to keep Homer Simpson alive by managing his internal conditions. This activity fostered teamwork while encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving.

As the term draws to a close, students are examining infectious and non-infectious diseases, exploring how they spread and investigating strategies for prevention and control.

Year 10

Students have completed a challenging and rewarding unit on Motion this term. As part of their studies, they explored Newton's Laws of Motion and the Law of Conservation of Energy. One particularly memorable experiment involved a bowling ball pendulum demonstration, where students observed that the ball, when released, would never hit their face thanks to energy transformations and the predictable nature of physical laws. This activity brought theoretical learning to life and helped illustrate key concepts such as potential and kinetic energy, velocity, and acceleration.

Currently, Year 10 students are exploring tectonic theory and how the Earth’s crust is constantly changing. They are exploring the different plate boundaries that influence geological features such as mountain ranges, earthquakes and volcanoes.

Year 10  Agriculture

Our Year 10 Ag students have been working through a unit on beef cattle and have had to design a set of cattle yards using Mary Temple Grandin, a prominent proponent of the humane treatment of livestock,  as their base. 

Ag Career's Day

On Thursday 11th June, a group of enthusiastic students set out bright and early for Tamworth to attend the Ag Careers Day at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School. It was a day dedicated to exploring pathways in agriculture and opening up possibilities for future learning and careers.

Throughout the day, students had the chance to connect with professionals from a wide range of agricultural industries, including agronomy, livestock management, horticulture, farm technology, and agribusiness. They also spoke with representatives from universities, learning about courses and training opportunities available after school. The advice and feedback given was invaluable, helping students think about their next steps and consider what skills and experiences might be useful for their chosen paths.

Hands-on workshops and engaging talks allowed students to ask questions and gain a real understanding of what a career in agriculture can look like today. Our students represented our school with pride, showing curiosity, respect, and teamwork throughout the event. Everyone returned with new ideas, inspiration, and a clearer picture of what their future in agriculture could be.

A big thank you to Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School and all the professionals and universities involved for making the day so informative and welcoming. A special thank you to Miss Willcocks for organising the excursion, Mr Partridge for driving the bus and Miss Miller for supporting on the day.

Big Science Competition

The Big Science Competition is one of the largest international science competitions held in schools worldwide. It involves students completing an examination designed to encourage exploration of science and the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Several students in Year 7 and 8 were identified by their classroom teachers as being a suitable candidate for this competition due to their keen interest and strong potential in Science. Congratulations to the following students for their participation:

Year 7 - Joshua Carse, Lachlan Fairbanks, James Griffey, Lillyanah Griffiths, David Grose, Dylan Maxwell, Hunter Paull, Hunter Price, Kate Savage, Paula Savage

Year 8 - Eloyse Griffiths, Ali Partridge, Ryan Savage, Riley Woodward

Congratulations are also given to Chael McLennan (Year 7) and Elodie Millet (Year 7) who achieved a credit in the competition, placing them in the top 30% of students who sat the exam.

A special congratulations is also given to Bella Tully-Booth (Year 7) who received a distinction, placing her in the top 15% of students who sat the exam. 

Goonoowigall Investigating Science 

Wednesday June 17, Year 11 Investigating Science hiked into Goonoowigall falls to conduct an ecosystem study.

While the falls may not have been flowing, students still made good use of the day, conducting a number of abiotic tests and applied their skills attempting to identify flora and fauna they came across.

Despite some tired legs, a great day was had by all

New Additions

Exciting news from our Ag Plot! We have some adorable new additions – baby chickens have just hatched! They’re so cute and fluffy, and our students are loving watching them grow and keeping them warm in this cold weather.