SCIENCE

SCIENCEWORKS EXCURSION

Science week was celebrated with a trip to Scienceworks in Spotswood on Tuesday 18 August for 50 lucky Year 8 students.

It was fantastic to hear from a number of guest speakers about how they came to work in their fields and some of the exciting things they get to do in their current jobs.

All of the scientists spoke with passion, exploring topics from astronomy to paleontology and the exciting lives of invertebrates. It was fantastic to see photos of these scientists working out in the field collecting fossils, tiny beetles and even galaxies!

Did you know that some of the galaxies that we are seeing now are so far away that their light has taken around 4.6 billion years to reach us? This was about the time of the Big Bang, when the universe was created. When we view these galaxies, we are basically looking back in time to just after the event occurred! I thought this was mind blowing!

After the speakers, students had a great time exploring the interactive activities around the gallery. Creating a virtual ‘bionic’ creature out of their own bodies and then making it move to score points was lots of fun, as you can see in these pictures.

The students loved comparing their physical abilities to those of some of our Olympic greats, although we are yet to discover the next Cathy Freeman. It was also amazing to see that some young scientists have literally reinvented the wheel! This bizarre looking creation (see below) is capable of moving in numerous directions.

Maybe one of our Year 8’s from the excursion could be the next to make such a creative and useful new invention. The scope of jobs open to these young adults will be limited only by their creativity and science will be a critical part of this journey!

About Scienceworks

Scienceworks makes learning about science and technology a fun, interactive adventure. It's a great place to challenge curious minds and keep active bodies busy!

Hands-on participation is positively encouraged and visitors can take part in live demonstrations, shows, guided tours and special activities. There is also a programme of changing exhibitions.

Jodie Street

Science Teacher

YEAR 7 SCIENCE CATS

I'm proud of my sock puppets video because I got all my information in it and it turned out better than I thought.

Makaela Anderson 747

The balloon rocket in Part A was very frustrating because our rocket wouldn’t work but we worked as a team and fixed it. This made me proud.

Charli McMahon 747

I am proud of the way I presented my work because I found a new way to do presentations.

Tara Varley 747

I was so proud of how I worked. I tried my 100% best and worked the hardest I have ever worked in my life.

Amy Walton 746

I am proud of my Part A because I completed it to the best standards I could. I found it hard to present my work in a creative way but I did it in the end.

Jay Ireland 746