Science Report
It has been a busy term 1 for the Science faculty as they welcomed and supported two new staff members. Amy Greenwood has joined the team as the new Agriculture/Science teacher and Louise Watkiss is the new Head Teacher.
The Year 7 YAP class have made a seamless transition to high school demonstrating their resilience to change and enthusiasm for learning. They have started the year learning how to safely carry out and write up scientific investigations, achieving their Bunsen burner licence and more recently examining and understanding living things at a cellular level. Their first assessment task, designing and creating a cell model is due week 1, term 2.
Year 8 have been studying the environment, making miniature biospheres and their own yoghurt. They have just completed their first assessment task, which was researching and discussing the effects of bush fires. Year 9 investigated energy, looking at the properties of light, sound and electricity. Their first task involved the design and creation of a heat flask that could maintain the temperature of 100ml of hot water. The winning designs for each class will be announced this week.
Year 10 began the year developing their ability to complete a scientific investigation and how to write it up as a report. Their first assessment task involved the students designing and completing their own investigation. They then went on to investigate the various types of chemical reactions. The students have enjoyed the hands-on approach to learning chemistry and the challenge of writing and balancing chemical equations.
Year 11 have made a great start to their HSC. They have enjoyed specialising and studying areas of science that interests them. Students need to remember that they must support their hard work in the classroom with a consistent and comprehensive study program at home. Year 12 have spent term 1 working hard to prepare for their mid course examinations. The staff look forward to providing the students with effective feedback to assist them in improving their ability to deconstruct and respond to HSC style questions.
Everyone is looking forward to a well-earned rest, ready to start term 2!
From the Science Faculty
Year 11 Biology Excursion
To Putty Beach Rock Platform 2017.
On Wednesday 8 March, Year 11 Biology students went on an excursion to the Putty Beach rock platform. The day was carefully chosen to coincide with the lowest tide for the month that occurred around midday.
The excursion was all about gathering data first hand, on location, just like real scientists. This involved using skills learned during our first topic: “A Local Ecosystem”.
As part of our first assessment task, our job began by carrying out an initial survey of the rock platform. This involved locating, identifying and categorising numerous different species according to tidal zones. We then engaged specialised measuring and counting techniques involving quadrats and transects. This was used to gather data to be analysed in the report. Teams of students all worked extremely well throughout the day to gather and share data. The day finished in the lab by analysing water samples taken during the day.
The day had some unusual challenges as the swell was up to 2 metres which meant that much of the rock platform that we normally access was regularly being washed over by huge surf even though it was low tide! It made for some pretty spectacular photos as you can see in one or two of our attached photos. All said and done, it was a most enjoyable day out together being with so many keen and engaged students.
A special thanks to Mrs Dowzard for your valued contributions on the day.
Mr Brad Jones and Miss Amy Greenwood
Science Biology Teachers