Science News
It has been a busy few weeks in the Science Faculty!
Year Seven has been studying the unit on Cells. In this topic they will learn how to use digital, light, and stereo microscopes, distinguish between plant and animal cells, look at some of the processes that cells use, and identify some simple unicellular organisms. Their assessment task this term will be due in Week 7.
Year Eight are looking at Health Science, which looks at microorganisms and the diseases that they may cause. This is particularly relevant to the current COVID-19 pandemic that is raging worldwide. Students distinguish between bacteria, fungi, prions, protists, and viruses while looking at ways that these diseases can be treated. This term's assessment task will be due in Week 9.
Year Nine are currently learning about the Mysterious Universe. In this unit, students get to learn about the life cycle of stars, the Big Bang Theory, and the technologies associated with Astronomical research. If we look in the news over the last few months, we can look at the interesting space science that has been occurring - from the SpaceX Hop testing and splashdown, to the United Arab Emirates launching their first rocket to Mars. The Year Nine assessment task this term will be a Practical Investigation that will be completed in class during Week 9.
Year Ten are building their understanding of Chemical Reactions. They should be learning about how to balance chemical equations and looking at the difference between combustion, decomposition, and synthesis reactions. While this will take a little bit of effort, it is well worth the time it takes to commit to learning these concepts. Year Ten should also be working on their Student Research Projects, which was handed out during last term and is due in Week 8.
Year Ten will shortly be selecting their subjects for Year Eleven. There are five sciences that Marian Catholic College offer - Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Investigating Science and Physics. Students who are considering these subjects are encouraged to talk to their Science teacher or have a conversation with Ms. Davis about what they are thinking.
Our HSC Biology, Chemistry, and Physics students start their trial HSC Exams shortly and we wish them all the best.
Lisa Davis
Leader of Learning - Science (Acting)
