Spotlight on Science

Chemistry Students Engage in Exciting Lab Work for Next Assessment

Chemistry students are fully immersed in their laboratory activities, embarking on the data collection phase of their upcoming assessment – the student experiment. Their investigations cover a wide range of contexts, including exploring the impact of temperature and concentration of chemicals on reaction rates, as well as delving into the solubility of different chemical substances. The students are eager to analyse the data they gather, searching for trends and relationships to draw meaningful conclusions from their findings. This assessment is crucial in preparing them for their journey into Year 12 and the completion of their IA2 in 2024.

Senior Biology Class Explores Cutting-Edge Biotechnology Techniques

During this week's Senior Biology class, students had a fascinating practical on gel electrophoresis as part of their Unit 4 studies. The aim was to gain a deeper understanding of modern biotechnology techniques, which are becoming increasingly essential in various fields, such as research, medicine, and diagnostics. Gel electrophoresis, with its ability to separate DNA fragments based on length, offers a wide range of applications.

In an intriguing practical exercise titled "The Wrongfully Convicted," Biology students were presented with a fictitious case involving an individual named J.M., who had been convicted of a crime solely based on eyewitness testimony and microscopic hair analysis, yet steadfastly maintained his innocence.

The students employed gel electrophoresis to run DNA samples from J.M., the victim, and two other pieces of DNA evidence recovered from the crime scene. The analysis of the gel images in the upcoming class will help them determine whether J.M. was innocent, potentially leading to a wrongful conviction, or if the DNA evidence further implicates him in the crime. This hands-on experience is providing the students with a valuable insight into the vital role of gel electrophoresis in modern forensics.

By Kylie Collinson (Senior Biology Teacher)

Year 9 Students Embark on a Fascinating Biology Unit of Work

Year 9 students are now fully engaged in collecting data and conducting experiments as they dive into their biology unit of work. Focused on the immune systems, the students are asking intriguing questions, such as whether one antimicrobial is more effective than another, measured by the zone of inhibition. To answer these questions, they will diligently gather primary data and analyze it meticulously.

Year 8 Science Students Explore the Fascinating World of Physics and Energy

In Year 8 Science, students have delved into captivating experiments related to the study of physics and energy. They are quickly discovering the myriad ways in which energy can be transferred and transformed. This term's assessment is centred around exploring the practical implications of these concepts in the real world, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and its relation to mass and height in moving vehicles.

With enthusiasm, the students are examining the energy efficiency of the vehicles they use for their daily commute to school each morning. Through this hands-on exploration, they are gaining valuable insights into the fascinating world of energy and its applications in everyday life.

These engaging and exploratory learning experiences across various science disciplines are providing students with the knowledge, skills, and excitement to fuel their academic journey.

Year 10 Evolution is more than just a game

In this term, Year 10 students are delving into the fascinating realm of Evolution as the bedrock of their Research Investigation. To bring life into these scientific concepts, they are exploring simulations and modelling techniques. This week's lessons have been particularly captivating as the Year 10 classes delve into the realms of Divergent and Convergent evolution using innovative means.

The classroom has been buzzing with creativity as the students construct a machine using simple materials like brown paper bags and other resources. Their mission is to ingeniously propel a ping pong ball into a distant plastic cup, located two meters away. As the designs take shape, both similarities and differences are keenly observed and recorded. The excitement grows as the teams compete to see who can successfully accomplish the task.

This approach not only makes the concepts visually engaging but also fosters an environment of excitement and enjoyment. By practically visualizing these principles, the students gain a deeper understanding of Evolution's profound significance, making their learning experience all the more enriching.