Science and Design Technology News
End of Term 1:
Science Department
The Science Department has had a busy and productive Term 1, with students now well underway in their Science courses for 2026. We are excited to be launching our Science Club next term, so students should keep an eye out for upcoming announcements and opportunities to get involved.
Our Year 7 students have been undertaking the Scientific Toolkit unit, where they are developing a strong foundation in how science works. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of science, including what scientists do and how to conduct valid investigations. They are building essential skills in observing, questioning, collecting data, and making evidence-based conclusions. In Year 8, students have been exploring elements and compounds, developing their understanding of how substances are made up of atoms and how these combine to form different materials with unique properties. They have also been investigating different forms of energy and how energy can be transferred and transformed in a variety of everyday contexts. Alongside this, students are continuing to strengthen their ability to carry out scientific investigations, including planning fair tests, identifying variables, collecting and analysing data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
Meanwhile, our Year 9 students have been studying atoms, ions, and chemical reactions, with a strong focus on learning through practical activities that allow them to apply their understanding in hands-on and engaging ways.
Our VCE Science courses are now well underway, with all students having completed their first School Assessed Coursework (SAC) tasks. We have been very impressed with the effort and quality of work students are demonstrating in class. As the year progresses, it is important that students continue to challenge themselves, maintain consistent study habits, and take advantage of all available support to achieve the best possible results in their VCE subjects.
As we approach the break, we wish all students a safe and restful holiday. This is a well-deserved opportunity to recharge after a busy term, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed, motivated, and ready to continue their learning in Term 2.
Excursion to Gene Technology Access Centre
On Friday 20th March, 2026, twenty South Oakleigh College students from Year 11 Biology attended an immersive program at the Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC) located on the campus of University High School.
The topic of the activity at GTAC was : Insights into inflammation and infection through stem cell research.
The program began with an introduction on stem cells, a topic recently covered in class. Students listened to young PhD students and post graduate students who also spoke about
their career pathways and experiences in a research laboratory. Following this, students rotated through and participated in activities in the following areas:
● Ethics in research – why informed consent is important.
● How DNA extraction through PCR and Gel electrophoresis is used to detect Covid-19 and how to pipette (mock) samples using a scientific (Eppendorf) pipette.
● Microscopy through the fluorescent staining (tagging) of cells, to target specific properties and antibody-antigen interactions.
● The interaction of immune cells (white cells/antibodies) with pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, cancers, helminths (worms), fungi; using models to communicate this and
● Bioinformatics - the analysis of complex biological data
Students travelled to GTAC with their teachers using public transport and got to walk through and use the newly opened Parkville station, which was quite the experience in itself.
Throughout this excursion, students from South Oakleigh College followed the values of the school and modelled exemplary behaviour in public; of which all the students must be commended. Well done!
Helen Stefanatos
Learning Specialist STEM | Science