Science News

MCC Seismometer

The MCC seismometer is an instrument that detects ground movement and over the weekend, it detected the earthquake that occurred in Temora with a magnitude of 2.

 In the past, seismograms were recorded on seismic drums using ink and paper but seismograms are now recorded electronically by computers. This has streamlined our ability to analyze the data to locate and determine the magnitude of earthquakes world wide. MCC seismometer has 3 sensors that record one direction each; N–S, E–W, and vertical motion on 3 seismograms. 

 An earthquake produces waves; P, S, and surface waves. These waves explain how a single seismograph station can have 3 different seismograms: 1) The vertical component shows the compressive P wave bumping up from beneath; it has very little horizontal movement; 2) The shearing S wave has mostly side-to-side motion; 3) The surface waves have an effect on all components. 

SCIENCE SPARKS

The Biology class in Year 11 goes on a field trip on Monday to investigate local ecosystems.  They will visit the Murrumbidgee River at Darlington Point to visit the river red gum forest and then they will visit wetlands at Leeton.  We wish them every success in their first field trip in Biology.

The year 12 students will be doing their practical investigations in Physics and Chemistry this coming week. They have been honing in on their skills with titration and the physics students have been practicing their projectile motion calculations and communications

Year 7 students have been learning about laboratory protocol and the numeracy and literacy that they need to know to communicate scientific ideas.

The Year 8 students have been learning how to do an open-ended investigation for themselves by harvesting and growing rockmelon seeds.  They are refining their skills and prowess with scientific report writing and developing their knowledge and understanding of plant growth

The year 10 students have been studying the unit on Genetics, where there has been advances in  technology and knowledge that require students to consider the ethics of such advances. 

Have a great weekend. Enjoy the beautiful things in the natural world and be confident that the students are building brains at Marian.

Best wishes

Esther Dumbleton Science Leader of leaning