Science Update
Think like a proton... always positive!
Year 12 Biology Excursion - GTAC
The year 12 students travelled in to GTAC (Gene Technology Access Centre) on the 3/4/23. During the session the students completed two practical experiments:
- Gel electrophoresis - In this experiment students 'cut up' DNA into fragments and separated the DNA fragments into different sizes.
- Gene cloning using recombinant and transformed bacteria - In this expirement students inserted a gene into a bacteria from jelly fish that makes the bacteria glow green under UV light. The bacteria then replicated and this also replicated the DNA that makes them turn green!
Throughout the day the students worked in small groups with mentor scientists that are current PHD students at The University of Melbourne. Overall, the year 12 class had a great day building their skills in a lab and are looking forward to returning for another program in Unit 4.
Year 12 Physics Excursion - Luna Park
On Friday the 10th of March, year 12 physics students attended the VCE Physics Day at Luna Park. Students saw how the physics they had been learning about in class applied to motion in real life. Students explored the ideas of centripital force and gravity!
Student count: Still 9, Number of vomits: 0, Rides to go: 3 - Victor Sam
Year 11 Chemistry Excursion - EcoLinc
During term 1, the year 11 chemistry classes travelled to EcoLinc in Baccus Marsh to explore the molecule of water!
Students participated in a range of experiments to explore the properties of water and ionic compounds
Year 10 Electives
The year 10 science elective program has allowed students to participate in a range of hands on activities to prepare them for the challenging VCE science curriculum.
Physics
During term 1, students designed and completed their own experiments from scratch!
Biology
Students have investigated the Cardiovascular System. In order to visualise this, students completed a Toad Dissection. Students demonstrated the ECSC values fantastically during this lesson, and learnt about human and toad cardiovascular systems differ.
7-10 Science
Year 7
Students have been learning all about States of Matter and how different elements exist as solids, liquids and gases
Year 8
Students started the term learning about cells. A highlight is seeing students complete their Cell Models. Year 8 students went above and beyond this year to complete their CAT. Below is a few examples of student work:
In the second half of the term students learnt all about rocks! Below is an experiment that students participate in that demonstrates the Rock Cycle using lollies. Students complete all the stages of the rock cycle to turn the lollies into Igneous, Metamorphic and Sedimentary Rocks
Year 9
Our year 9 students have been completing their first physics unit for the year on Electric Circuits. This topic gives students lots of opportunities to engage hands on and build series and parallel circuits!
Year 9 Electives - Partners in Crime
A highlight of the elective program for Year 9 students is the PIC Mock Crime Scene. Students investigate the crime scene in all small groups to find the hidden pieces of evidence and solve the "murder"!
Year 10
Year 10 students have been learning about the Periodic Table, Energy and Energy Efficiency in their science classes. Below are students completing their flame test which allows students to determine the metal present based on the colour the flame turns
To all families celebrating over the holidays, we wish you a safe and happy time with family and friends. We look forward to seeing what science students can achieve in term 2!
Nicole Tamburini & Tiffani Meier - Science Instructional Leader and Acting Science Learning Specialist 🧪🧫🧬