Science News

Year 9 Science have been studying body systems and looking at the structure of the eye. Recently they carried out a dissection of a Cow's eye. 

They were first tasked with removing the muscle and fat from around the eye and then puncturing the cornea to release the aqueous humor. 

The cornea actually provides about 70% of the eye's focusing power. They then had to cut the eye in half releasing the clear vitreous humor (clear liquid that fills the eye) and find the lens which provides the other 30% of the focusing power.

Finally they had to remove the iris which is what controls how much light enters the eye. 

They all were successful in their dissections. Nothing beats hands on learning!

Mr.Dodds - Science Teacher

Biology

Year 11 Biology have been learning about the transport systems and gas exchange mechanisms in plants. 

Today they viewed the tiny microscopic pores that exist on the underside of leaves called Stomata that open to take in carbon dioxide for the plant to use for photosynthesis. 

They took some amazing images of the stomata and the guard cells that control the opening and closing of the pores. 

You can even see the chloroplasts which appear as green discs. 

This leaf sample was taken from the purple variety of Tradescantia zebrina. 

Solid work Year11 Bio!

Mr Dodds 

Year 11 Biology have continued learning about different body systems and recently undertook a Rat dissection to understand and appreciate the mammalian digestive system. 

I am happy to report that although there was a little bit of dry heaving and a few breaks for some fresh air, all groups were successfully able to identify the key organs of the digestive system and remove it intact. 

A big thankyou to Lucy from The Centre for Animal Research and Teaching at UNE for supplying the Lab Rat specimens. 

There were some very skilled students who may have future careers in the health industry.

Mr Dodds