Science Faculty Report

Term 1 has been busy for all our students in Science, Agriculture and Marine Studies.

Stage 5

Year 9 have been able to explore the Human Body, having fun dissecting the brain and learning all about the advanced systems of the body including the nervous, hormonal, reproductive and immune systems. In a covid world, student have a greater appreciation for the science of vaccinations.

Year 10 started off their year practising the skills for their Independent Research Project. All the elements of the task have been modelled in class. We look forward to seeing their presentations! Currently, Chemistry is the topic they are studying, in particular, the world of acid and base reactions. 

Year 9 Agriculture students have been busy learning all about the wonderful world of Agriculture and all it encompasses. They learnt how to handle the animals, and have had the chance to feed the animals in class. They are now preparing their vegetable patches ready for planting.

Year 10 Agriculture students have been busy learning all about sheep. They have demonstrated their skills at mustering, drenching, drafting and aging the sheep, and are looking forward to when the sheep need to be shorn. 

Year 9 Marine Studies students have been busy learning about the basics of the Marine Environment and the organisms that live within it. Students have learnt about Safe Water Practices in all different activities and environments, then modelled their knowledge with Claymation videos. Students are also learning the basics of simple first aid and how it can be applied in the Marine environment. In the coming terms students will learn about Marine Mammals, stocking aquaculture facilities and seafood appreciation.

This term, Year 9 STEM students are introduced to the fundamental principles of engineering design. They explore the interface between architecture and engineering by engaging in hands-on activity allowing them to demonstrate their knowledge of Structural Engineering.  Students designed and constructed free-standing towers which allow them to demonstrate their understanding of built environment and the impact of technology on society, while learning basic physical science concepts eg. forces, shapes, load and materials.

Year 10 STEM Students are currently working on a project which requires them to design, 3D print, construct, code, and fly their own Quadcopter Drones. This project allows students to learn how to use CAD software to design the body of the drone,  write code and program to fly the drones, and become familiar with the mechanical innards of electronics. Students also learn the nature of aerodynamics, the laws of physics, Algebra, Trigonometry, and the application Engineering Design Process. 

Talk to your children about what they have been doing in Science and share the wonderful world we live in.

Elaine Carter

Head Teacher Science