SCIENCE

Science Captains' Report

Year 12 Biology students have been studying photosynthesis and cellular respiration. They investigated the effect of different light colours on photosynthesis, then planned their own experiment on cellular respiration in crickets.

In Year 12 Physics, Mr Beale's class have been learning about springs and the type of energy they generate. Students experimented using different strength springs and measuring the extension of each spring, to then calculate their spring constant (stiffness).

On Friday March 12, Mr Beale’s Physics class took a trip to Luna Park. Whilst they were there, they recorded information about some of the rides.  They then used this information back at school to calculate the physics surrounding the ride. 

The day wasn't without fun though, when the students finished recording information, there was plenty of time to run around going on as many rides as possible!

Last week Mr Nicholls ALP Science class was investigating the conservation of energy in a system. To do this, they constructed water wheels based on their own designs and tested them to see their effectiveness at converting the energy of falling water, into the energy needed to spin the wheel.

Over the last few weeks, Lilydale High has been hosting Grade 6 primary school groups, giving them a look at life at high school. 

For Science, the students were able to do their own experiment mixing baking soda and vinegar, in the process, learning about the importance of recording observations. 

They then watched a demonstration from the Science Captains that resulted in a rainbow made from an acid and an alkaline. To finish the session, the students made their own sherbet, which of course they all loved.

Jake Daffy, Mackenzie Coakley and 

Jaydean Stamp

Year 11 Psychology Experiment

Recently, the Year 11 Psychology classes have been learning about the function of the Prefrontal Cortex. 

To test their understanding and to observe the developmental change in this area of the brain, students compared their ability to power a motorised fan using nothing but their brains! 

Based on how high the ball floated, and how long this could be maintained by the fan, students were able to discuss these findings in reference to the development of the Prefrontal Cortex.

Year 11 Brain Dissection

As part of their study of the Brain and Nervous System, Year 11 Psychology students participated in a sheep brain dissection. 

In this task  students were required to ethically and respectfully dissect a sheep’s brain; identifying key structures such as the Corpus Callosum, Cerebellum, Pons and Myelin. 

Despite the gloopiness of the brains, the students seemed to enjoy applying their knowledge of these structures in relation to what they had learnt throughout the unit.

Catherine Zavrou