Science

On a recent visit to Canberra, I asked my grandson how his O_Day went for high school.  He replied that the fire brigade had to be called. On further questioning, I was told the full story. The school hired a special science show. The science presenter used a piece of aluminium that was reacted with acid to produce hydrogen gas. The gas produced was used to fill a balloon. Once the balloon was full of the highly flammable hydrogen gas, it was tied off and a length of string attached. Then a match on the end of a long stick was used to touch the balloon and ignite the gas. The explosion of fire then set the fire alarms in the hall going, the school was evacuated and the fire engine was called as the students watched from a safe place. What an experience! 

The O-Day at Marian wasn’t as dramatic but it was exciting and safe. Many thanks to Miss Ammendolia, Mrs Morrison, Mrs Geddes and Mrs McIntosh and many other helpers in the labs. The Year 6 students were taught how to strike a match safely and then use it to light the bunsen burner. Three classes engaged in the learning and received a bunsen burner licence which they will show next year as they enter the labs. Students who didn’t get this opportunity will certainly be taught this next year and will be able to earn their bunsen burner licences. 

A word from Mr Symmes

I would like to thank the wonderful Christmas cards from students in year 7. They were heartfelt and some of them were very funny. It was a lovely gesture that showed their appreciation for our time together in the classroom. I would like to wish all the families and children a very happy and holy Christmas 

Hi Miss Ammendolia here, 

On "Oh Day," our future high schoolers stepped into the science lab for the second time this year, where they got a taste of what it’s like to be a real-life scientist.

The day kicked off with the all-important Bunsen burner. After a safety lesson, the students bravely lit a match and set the Bunsen burners alight, observing the different colors of flames it could produce. If done correctly and safely, the students earned their Bunsen Burner License.

The real magic happened when they lit gas-infused bubbles on fire, watching in awe as a chemical reaction sparked flames and excitement. It was a perfect blend of learning and fun, with students buzzing with questions and curiosity.

A word from Mrs Morrison 

Thank you to all students, parents and carers on an enjoyable first six months at Marian as a science teacher! I am thoroughly looking forward to 2025 with the new year 7s after their ‘explosive’ start to science at Marian. All the best to the year 10’s that finish off their time in the science classroom, remember “the sky's the limit”- Mrs Morrison

The Year 8 have made some lovely tree decorations with a salt dough, which they will decorate and have them hanging on their christmas trees during the festivities, proud of their work and their creativity

Year 9 have shown that they are still concentrating and succeeding when they achieved remarkable marks  converting units of measurement for the vast distances in space. 

Our connection to a global network of seismometers keeps us well informed of the Earth’s earthquake activity especially around Australia. The seismometer was placed near the science block by Geoscience Australia and has proved a great learning opportunity for our students. 

As you can see, there are a few minor quakes that we don’t feel but we are in the middle of the Indo-Australian tectonic plate so the quakes are all around us. 

Hi Mrs McIntosh here!

We safely completed 435 group experiments this year, with many more individual depth studies. It’s been a very busy year. Since NESA has designed the new syllabus with depth studies in each year, we will be back bigger and better in 2025. Wishing everyone a safe and festive Christmas break. Look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year. 

We look forward to the news of a new baby boy for Miss Jensen and her husband, Tom Chapman in January. What a wonderful and exciting time, albeit, a little sleepless, to look forward to in the New Year and they have our best wishes for the arrival.   

It certainly is a dynamic department with many expert and energetic teachers, lab technicians, helpers and life’s challenges. But we have faith and optimism that all will work out as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. 

We all wish you a very happy, holy and safe holiday break. Time to refresh and spend time with loved ones

Best wishes

Esther Dumbleton (Science Leader of Learning)