Science News
The wattle has decided that spring is just around the corner so that can lift spirits and we can enjoy the warmer weather that is coming.
Year 12 are ready to re-join the teachers in the classroom for their final module and revision before the HSC exams. The Trial will give them some excellent feedback on the areas that need extra work and I feel confident that they will be able to show examiners how much and how well they have learnt over their senior study of science.
Year 10 have some big decisions to make about their future, either at school or in the workplace.
The College is offering 5 sciences for study and it depends on numbers if these will run a class. There is Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Investigating Science and Earth and Environmental Science. If students are interested and need more information they can view the presentations on the subject selection website or better still, speak to their science teachers or a senior teacher.
Year 10 are encouraged to keep up their dedication to learning as they progress closer to the End of Year final exam and the achievement of a Rosa Grade.
Year 9 continue to explore the Universe. One student told me today that it was her favourite topic and I was very happy to hear it. It is a massive area of study. Voyager 1 crossed the heliopause and entered interstellar space on August 25, 2012, making it the first spacecraft to do so. It was turned around by the scientists as NASA and took an image looking back. The Earth was just a tiny speck that the scientists took some time to recognise because it was so very tiny. It gives us a new perspective.
Year 8 continue to explore the micro world and the health of humans caused by genetics, environmental and pathogens. With Sydney experiencing so many Covid-19 infections and a rising death rate, it is important to understand what we need to do as individuals and as families to protect ourselves and the Australian community. We will keep all of those in lock down and those sick with Covid-19 in our prayers.
Year 7 is going to start a study of the changing Earth. This means that we could include an excursion to Cocoparra National Park early next term. Stay tuned and see what we can do!
On behalf of the science staff, I wish you all a very enjoyable weekend
Keep warm and safe
Best wishes
Esther Dumbleton
Year 7 students are quickly becoming experts at using the microscopes. They have been looking at many cells in the human body including blood cells, sperm cells and fat tissue cells. Students also prepared their own microscope slide of an onion!
Miss Rebecca Jensen
This term, year 7 students have started the topic Cells. In the unit students study the history of the invention of microscopes and the important role that it plays in our society.
They will explore requirements of cells and the organisation of cells in both unicellular and multicellular organisms. They will explore the different types of cells in both plants and animals and they will learn how to use microscopes to examine cells of a range of organisms and plants.
On Friday, in order to build knowledge and terminology, students create and labelled cellophane plant and animal cells to be displayed in the window of the science lab.
Ms Denise De Paoli
Science