Science
Science
Year 7
Science at St Bede’s College provides the first opportunity for many Year 7 students to step foot into a laboratory. They are always excited to explore the space and the equipment they will use over the next years as they learn about the World around them. Term 1 of Year 7 Science is about introducing students to what Science is, safety and hazard identification, and becoming familiar with the laboratory. The achievement of a Bunsen burner licence is like an initiation by fire (excuse the pun) and around 250 Year 7 students have gained this. Ask your son to show you his Bunsen burner licence and if you can recall, talk to them about your time studying Science at School.
Year 8
Do you remember the first time you ever looked down a microscope? Have you ever had the chance to? Ask your son what it was like. He may have even taken some photos with his iPad that he can show you as Year 8 students began the year examining life at the microscopic level. They have looked at plant and animal cells, as well as investigating pond and ocean water to see what the eye alone cannot see.
Year 9 Science
Did you know the average human reaction time is 0.25 seconds to a visual stimulus, 0.17 seconds for an audio stimulus and 0.15seconds for a touch stimulus (source: http://wiki.backyardbrains.com/Reaction_Time). Ask your son what his reaction time was, as students in Year 9 Science have begun the year learning about body systems and have focused on the Nervous, Endocrine and Immune systems. Fitting, as we go into the colder months, they will be equipped with the knowledge they need to confidently and accurately fake a sickie. Be cautious.
Year 10
Did you know the human body contains around 20,000-25,000 genes! Each gene is like a set of instructions your body uses to make a protein, and each protein will have a specific job in your body. So, genes (along with the environment), determine the expression of our traits. These genes are located on chromosomes and it is chromosomes that are passed from parent to offspring. Students in year 10 Science have begun the year learning about Genetics, the Science of genes and heredity. They have been learning about why we share similar traits with members of our family over generations and how the occurrence of these traits can be predicted.
F1 in Schools
It never ceases to amaze me what students can create when they are passionate, supported, given the chance, and are committed.
It is with pleasure that I can announce that Terminal Velocity has been invited to compete in the World F1 in Schools championships in Kansas, USA, which will take place in October this year.
In a nutshell the aim of the competition is to design and make a model F1 car that goes as fast as possible. But in reality, the boys were required to do so much more. From computer aided design, 3D printing, and testing their models in wind tunnels, to marketing, seeking sponsorship, public speaking and presenting.
Team Terminal Velocity is composed of year 10 students; Joel Bright, Peter Russell and Will Clifton. Earlier this year the boys competed at the National finals in Sydney where they took out the award for Best Team Marketing, and were the only Victorian team to walk away with an award. This, along with their commitment (St Bede’s has been involved in the program for 3 years), passion and professionalism has seen them receive a wild card entry to the World championships. They will work collaboratively with students from Synergy Racing (a Secondary School team from NSW), who will in whole, make a team that represents not only St Bede’s College but also Australia.
My words have in no way done these guys justice. Check out more via…
Their website: http://terminalvelocityf1.com/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/termvelosbc
On facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerminalVelocityF1
On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC11TKnUsV4SZQw4vrGU5rUg
On instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terminalvelocityf1/
Now one cannot address the success of this team without also acknowledging the work of the staff behind it. Mrs Seel and Mr Micallef have tirelessly supported Terminal Velocity. Thank you, for the work you have put into this. I know the students are so grateful. Thanks also to the many other unnamed staff who have contributed in some way!
We wish the team all the best in preparation for the Worlds. Go Well!
We wish all students a successful year in Science, particularly those in VCE. Ensure you have a study plan in place. Most importantly of all, ask questions when you are unsure of things (and even when you think you are sure of things).
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Owen Flattery
of@stbedes.catholic.edu.au