Science News

Another very busy week in the science department with Year 8 doing a STEM project on insulation and sustainability. The project involves building a timber frame and connecting the cladding so that different materials as insulation can be researched and tested. Students always enjoy the activities outside and were particularly good at following instructions and getting the best build. 

Year 9 are embarking on their study of electricity and how it is used in the home. This is a particularly relevant investigation because of the scarce resources for energy and our dependence on electricity. The super seven science staff are currently exploring STEM projects to help the students understand and be involved in the science of electricity, its history and its future. 

Year 10 are busily researching and preparing an interesting assessment on genetic technology and how it is used. Once they understand the science, it will be up to them to consider where they stand on the use of these relevant and current technologies, and present their ideas considering the ethics, value, legalities, economic and social implications. We are looking forward to some great thinking and even greater communication of their point of view. 

Miss Jensen has given me the word that the Year 7 are enjoying their lab work, particularly using the Bunsen burner and getting familiar with all the other scientific equipment. The year 7 teaching team  is already working on their STEM project for the new topic in Year 7 which is Forces. 

The focus this year at all year levels at MCC, is to improve writing. Science has a great opportunity to develop creative writing because we study so much that needs an imagination such as bacteria, electrons, stars, fossils and forces. Joining the writing focus is also a focus on numeracy and literacy. These areas contribute to the effective communication of science and an understanding of the ideas that we explore and live with. 

Ms Davis was very excited yesterday when she used balloons to show where electrons live in an atom. She had developed a great model to show p-orbitals which the Year 11 Chemistry students are studying at the moment. They have an assessment where they are trying to model these orbitals and of course this takes some imagination. 

On that note, I will leave you with a quote from Einstein:

        "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited,    

          whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution."

Best wishes as we move through Lent, a time of giving. 

Esther Dumbleton (Leader of Learning, Science) 

The MCC Seismometer

The MCC seismometer detected a trio of powerful earthquakes in New Zealand on 5 March 2021.

Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes to higher ground on the northern coast of the North Island are now safe to return.

But officials have warned the threat has not passed entirely and are telling people to stay away from the beaches and shoreline if they are in the North Cape, the Chatham Islands and the northern part of the East Coast.

Keep an eye out for earthquake by clicking on the link below and type AUGRF to access the MCC seismometer 

https://www.iris.edu/app/station_monitor/#Today/S-AUGRF/webicorder/

Ms De Paoli

Science Teacher