Science

Year 12 Human Biology Zoo Excursion

Students in the two Year 12 Human Biology classes visited Perth Zoo on Friday 31 July. We arrived at the zoo and started our day with an educational experience called Keeping Up with the Neanderthals.

Zoo staff ran an informative and hands-on session where students were able to examine a range of skulls and early hominin tools. Comparative anatomy, physiology and behaviour were used to identify the similarities and differences within the Hominidae (great ape) family.

Students were then given time to explore the zoo, examining the various primates and studying the evolutionary trends within this order. Highlights included the orangutan keeper talk and watching the gibbons from the café in their new state-of-the-art habitat, Gibbon Crossing.

The return journey saw our students catch the ferry from South Perth. The day was highly beneficial for students, and they will be able to apply some of their new knowledge in their upcoming extended response.

It was a pleasure accompanying our students to the zoo; they were fantastic ambassadors for the College. Special thanks to Miss Firth, who accompanied us and helped ensure everyone made it back safely.

Mrs D Bunyan

Head of Learning Area - Science

Feedback from students:

"Our class had an immersive excursion to Perth Zoo where we learnt all about evolution and how animals adapt over time. We observed how species change gradually over many generations, helping them to live successfully in their habitats. One of the best parts of the day was seeing so many amazing animals, including orangutans, other primates, lions, reptiles and colourful birds. The excursion was both fun and educational; we enjoyed exploring and learning. It was a great day!"

Ashwa, Ekamjot, Ann, Catherine and Vanshika

Year 12 Human Biology Students

Precision, Patience and Pipettes - RACI Titration Competition!

Recently, three of our dedicated Year 12 ATAR Chemistry students stepped out of the school lab and onto the campus of Curtin University to compete in the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Titration Competition.

For those unfamiliar with the high-stakes world of analytical chemistry, a titration competition is a true test of scientific precision. Working against the clock, students must determine the exact, unknown concentration of a solution using specialised laboratory equipment like burettes and volumetric pipettes. Success is measured literally down to the individual drop. This requires intense focus, flawless technique, and incredibly steady hands. A single drop too much can change the colour of the solution and alter the calculations entirely!

Our team, consisting of Ann B, Caitlyn P, and Liam S, spent Term 1 practising their skills. Facing off against top science students from across the state, they represented our College with outstanding dedication, scientific rigour, and academic integrity.

I am extremely proud of the Year 12 Titration Team's performance this year. For the first time, our team received the Excellent Team Achievement Award, ranking 19th out of 105 teams across Western Australia. The students also competed individually and achieved outstanding results. Liam S was awarded a Participation Certificate, while Ann B and Caitlyn P both received High Distinctions.

Ann achieved the highest result in the entire state! Recording an incredible 0% deviation from the expected result. This is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to her exceptional skill and precision. An event like this requires an enormous amount of preparation behind the scenes, and the Science Department extends a massive thank you to our wonderful laboratory technicians, Debbie Nugent and Tamara Middleton.

Congratulations to Ann, Caitlyn, Liam for taking on this academic challenge and pushing their laboratory skills to the limit!

Miss K MaGee

Kilnacrott Head of House