PHYSICS IS FANTASTIC

3D Printing and Modelling

Year 10 Engineering class visited Quantum Victoria to get hands on experience in a 3D printing and modelling workshop. The students experienced the design process, by first creating an object using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software and then sending their design to a 3D printer, to bring their object to life. 3D printers are relatively new manufacturing devices which have revolutionised the manufacturing industry. The 3D printers used in this program build objects layer by layer using biodegradable plastics. This workshop helped the students to learn to follow or modify a design brief, design thinking, engineering, communication and digital fluency.

Physics Photo Contest

The Australian Institute of Physics Photo Competition is a contest open to year 10 to Year 12 students in Victorian schools. Entrants had to submit photos that involved everyday situations that may demonstrate a variety of physics concepts or a set up to show a particular physics concept or related set of concepts. This year three students were selected as finalists, from a number of entries from years 10 to 12. These students are: Marcus Cehun (Year 12), Tara Pringle (Year 11) and Alex Renaudin (Year 11). They took the photos and explained the physics in them. Judging will be based on the quality of the photo and the accuracy of the physics statement. Congratulations to the finalists.

Science Talent Search 2016

The Science Talent Search is an annual, science based competition open to all primary and secondary students in Victoria, Australia. It fits closely with the Victorian Curriculum philosophy of teaching and learning and has a close match between many of its sections and the Victorian Curriculum Learning Areas, Strands and Sub strands.

The theme for 2016 was Drones, Droids and Robots. Only a few students are selected to enter their projects into the formal competition. This year Sachin Pathy (Year 7) won a bursary award. Other Year 7 students who achieved Credits are Lucera Perrone, Charlie Apperly and Matt Gavva. Congratulations to all.

Physics Exhibition Evening

On 24 October, 50 year 11 Physics students presented displays on topics ranging from how the body uses electricity, to the physics of flight, to the question of life elsewhere in the universe. Kew High School library buzzed from 5:00pm to 6:30pm with innovative hands-on activities and engaging digital presentations. The students really enjoyed having the opportunity to communicate their topics to the many parents and members of the Kew High School community who attended. The student posters on their extended practical investigation were also on display. The parents were impressed by the breadth and depth of the work. It is an event to highlight in the calendar for next year and, in response to feedback, there will be a people’s prize for best presentation!

The Physics team