Science News

An earthquake that struck off Papua New Guinea was so powerful it was felt in Queensland.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology says the impact of the 7.2-magnitude this morning was felt in North Queensland.

It poses no tsunami threat to Australia. 

National Disaster Management office said there had been no immediate reports of damage but news from the quake zone could take time to trickle in.   (www.9news.com.au)  

Parents and students can monitor our seismometer by clicking on the link https://www.iris.edu/app/station_monitor/#Today/S-AUGRF/webicorder/

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Year 7 Science

Below is a Mothers Day card Year 7 science are making from photos they have taken using their microscopes. They are currently studying about cells and gaining skills in microscope use.

A week of Science

What an exciting week the Year 7 students have had with the microscopes!  Students were introduced to the micro world with the digital microscopes and then graduated to the stereomicroscopes where they examined some prepared slides.  Next week we will be looking at a group of microorganisms, called Protists.  My Year 7 students are such  great explorers and have been doing a great job of learning.

The Year 12 Physics students have been working on their own design and development of a vehicle, where they construct a motor and use solar energy to get it moving.  There have been some challenges but nothing these students can’t handle.  The Year 12 Chemistry start their exploration of organic chemistry next week. They worked this week on making esters which are the chemicals responsible for flavours and smells. They successfully made the banana and pear smelling ester in the lab.

Year 9 are about to start work on simulating an earthquake and designing a house that can withstand the vibration.  Thanks to Ms DePaoli for the organisation of the materials for this task.  This is part of the STEM initiative in the Science Department.

Year 8 have been working on the body systems so this week they have been dissecting a heart.  Working as a biologist would in the lab, they all looked very professional with their apron, glasses and scalpels in hand. 

It is very rewarding as a teacher to see students who are engaged and hard working and who are  exploring their world and building their brains.

My many thanks to the team of professionals who I have the pleasure to work at Marian Catholic College. Next week we celebrate the support staff contributions to education so a huge thanks to Mrs McIntosh for her hard work and support behind the scenes. 

Best wishes

Esther Dumbleton (Science Leader of Learning)