Science News

Kinetic energy has been high in the Science Faculty this term, with staff busily working with students to learn about the smaller things in life and the big picture of Science. The staff and students have missed Mr Jones this term and look forward to having him back on board after the holidays. We would like to give a big thank you to Ms Eslick who has worked hard to cover his classes while he was away. We are lucky to have her again next term to cover Mrs Ogle who is taking leave for Term 3.

Year 7 and 8 YAP have been studying cells and how these specialised building blocks of living things work together to ensure organisms function to their optimum. They have enjoyed making slides of plant tissue and using the microscopes to deepen their understanding about cells. Year 8 had fun studying energy this term, investigating the different forms and how they transform from one to another.

Year 9 examined the human body, working to understand how the body is co-ordinated through the nervous and endocrine (hormonal) systems. This included a brain dissection, which most of the students enjoyed. They finished the term gathering information on infectious diseases and how the body tries to protect us from them. They also studied the link between our lifestyle, genetics and the environment to non-infectious diseases. Hopefully they have learned the importance of having a healthy lifestyle when they are young.

Year 10 have enjoyed the very practical topic of Chemical Reactions. They learned to appreciate how the atoms which make up matter can join together in different ways to produce the variety of substances we see and use all around us.

Year 11 are steadily working through the new syllabi and are enjoying being able to study courses which they have an interest or passion for. They are realising the demands of Stage 6 means they need to follow a regular and comprehensive study program at home, especially leading into next term where they will have to complete an end of course exam.

Year 12 are working efficiently to complete their courses and are currently preparing for the Trial Exams, which are scheduled for early next term. We wish them all the best for these and offer our assistance to ensure they comprehensively prepare and perform to their capacity.

Ms Louise Watkiss

Head Teacher Science

Agriculture

It has been a big term for Henry Kendall's Agriculture students! Although winter has been settling in and occasionally prevented us from getting outside, the students have still been busy with hands-on learning.

Stage 5 have been studying Vegetable Production this term and have enjoyed the fruits (or vegetables!) of their labour with regular harvesting of cherry tomatoes, snow peas and spring onions. The students designed experiments to test the effect of factors such as sunlight, water, fertiliser and spacing on the growth rate of basil plants. Over several weeks students have been monitoring the growth of their plants under controlled conditions. This involved caring for their basil, along with recording measurements and observational notes to track how well each plant is growing. They reported their experiment results in a report for their Term 2 assessment.

Year 11 have engaged in the Farm Case Study unit both at a working dairy farm and at school. They attended an excursion to Tocal College dairy on Tuesday 28 May, where students got a brief insight in to the workings of a dairy farm as an agricultural business. There was a focus on farm management decisions such as soil testing, herd organisation, WH&S, technology and marketing. Back at school, the class has been managing their own project of building a new netted garden area which will be a key aspect of future farm activities. Through this they have demonstrated commendable leadership, teamwork and safe work practices.

Year 12 are quickly approaching the end of their HSC studies and they should be proud of their maintained efforts. The Animal Production unit has seen them learning a tremendous amount of information surrounding the biology and management of farm animals. Recently the students performed a dissection of a pig digestive system. The purpose of this learning experience was to develop an understanding of the difference in the physiology between monogastric and ruminant animals. This knowledge assists students in making informed decisions about the different diets required by animals. Students should be commended for their maturity and scientific inquiring during the dissection.

Miss Greenwood would like to thank the Ag students for their contributions to the farm this term.

Ms Amy Greenwood

Science/Agriculture Teacher