ACE

Highlights from Semester 1 in ACE

7A Mars Motel Brochures

This term in 7A Science we have been investigating how space impacts on a variety of phenomena we see here on Earth. At the end of this unit students understanding and creativity were put to the test as they were asked to design a brochure for a futuristic motel on Mars! Students worked in small groups to investigate the red planet and make predictions about what may be needed to sustain life on Mars in the future. The final products did not disappoint! With names like Martian Motel, Vie sur Mars Hotel and the Mars Manor, 7A rose to the occasion producing flyers that are so enticing I wish I could visit them all. Students were particularly excited about selecting and suggesting new technologies which would be available in their motel. The technologies included those that humans would need to survive on such a barren planet and those that would make the visit a lot of fun.

7A Sleep In for Homelessness

7A were invited to attend a Sleep In for Homelessness run by some of our VCAL students. On the first Friday night of winter a group of 7A students banded together as they endured the cold and hard floors, while experiencing what homelessness might be like. Although I’m not sure how much ‘sleeping’ actually happened, students had an interesting night learning about the different types of homelessness which are becoming increasingly prevalent in some Australian societies. We would like to thank the VCAL class and Mr Borg for organising a great experience.

8A Civics and Citizenship letters

In Term 1, 8A were studying Civics and Citizenship. As an exercise to do with active participation, the class was asked to write letters to representatives regarding a local or national issue that they cared about. The best quality letters were sent to these representatives, and almost all of them wrote back.

In general, this was a very good exercise, and while the students weren’t always satisfied with the responses, the fact that they received them was a positive.

8A Science Drama Preparations

This term 8A have been bringing together the dramatic skills they have been developing since term 1, and their love of Science to prepare “The Science Drama!” This year students choose to investigate the very intricate topic of Epigenetics. Under the helpful guidance of Ms Jamali and Ms Van-Cuylenburg, the 8A class has spent many hours developing the ideas into a play meant to educate and inspire. 8A will be performing their drama early in Term 3. Keep an eye out for the exact details next term as this is something you don’t want to miss.

8A Creative Applications of studying the Norse Pantheon

Earlier this term, 8A were working on Vikings, and part of that was looking into the Norse Pantheon. In class they discussed how most of the Norse gods represented things beyond the Viking’s control such as thunder, war, fertility and chaos. The class were then asked to create posters, either they could create their own gods for modern life, gods of things beyond their control, or else they could create a poster for one of the Norse gods.

9A Scientific Fact sheets

For the first part of the year, 9A have been studying Optics (the study of light). To conclude their studies on this topic, students were asked to create a fact sheet based on a question they had about colour perception. This small individual research project resulted in a wide range of insightful fact sheets with very interesting information displayed on them. Many students chose to apply their knowledge of the human eye, a topic they had discussed in class, in comparison to the eyes of various animals. Two fact sheets have been included below, however there were many others which were impressive in their presentation and information.

ACE Instrumental Music Lesson Program Reminder

Payments for Semester 2 music lessons are now due. The $50 for lessons and $50 for instrument hire (not applicable to all students) can be paid to the front office. All 7A and 8A students should be participating in the instrumental music program at Melton Secondary College unless they are receiving music lessons outside of school. If you have queries about this please contact Mrs Laura Bramble.