Year 10 Biology-Life Sciences Practical Experiments

Our Biology students have been busy completing practical experiments to actively explore the scientific method and theories, including evolution.  

During the “Battle of the Beaks” experiment, students explored Darwin's theory of evolution by comparing how birds with different beaks can access different food sources. Using different bird beak simulations (tongs, tweezers, pipettes and spoons), students attempted to collect a range of different food types including, nectar, nuts and seeds, rodents/marbles, fish/peas and corn, and aquatic plants/rice noodles) within a set timeframe. The competition was fast and furious! It was clear that some ‘beaks’ were better at getting a lot of different food types as well as harvesting large quantities. The pipette ‘beaks’ were specialised and while they only had one food source, they didn’t have to compete with other birds for their favourite food source, nectar. It also became apparent that the beaks weren’t the only traits that impacted how much food was collected - fast and determined ‘birds’ definitely had an advantage. 

Students also completed an experiment that explored the impact of enzymes. They had the unique opportunity to work with a liver smoothie, containing the enzyme and challenging them to hold their breakfast down. They were able to test the impact of salt, heat, acids and bases on the enzyme activity which produced gases, visible as bubbles in the solution.  

During these experiments, students collected data, evaluated and reflected on the results, gaining a deeper understanding of scientific processes and theories.