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The Science faculty has had a remarkable semester, filled with engaging lessons, exciting experiments, multiple excursions, and meaningful projects. Our students have been actively developing their scientific knowledge and skills, preparing them for future successes.
Year 7 students have settled seamlessly into the high school routine and are thoroughly enjoying their science classes, with many consistently attending Science Club, led by Mr Preston, where they explore additional scientific concepts, participate in hands-on activities, and foster a sense of curiosity and wonder.
Year 11 students have successfully completed their first assessment task, receiving constructive feedback that will inform and enhance their ongoing learning. They are now fully engaged in their depth studies, delving into topics such as cell structure and function in Biology, chemical reactions and stoichiometry in Chemistry, and motion, forces, and energy in Physics.
Meanwhile, our Year 12 students have completed their depth studies and are now intensively preparing for their Trial HSC Exam in Term 3, a pivotal milestone in their academic journey.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our dedicated laboratory technicians, Josie and Zoe, for their unwavering commitment to preparing chemicals, equipment, and resources for our various practical tasks and depth studies this semester.
We also bid a fond farewell to our colleague, Ms Small, who is embarking on a new adventure in Victoria. She will be deeply missed by both students and staff, and we wish her all the best in her future pursuits.
As we look ahead to the second half of the year, we have an exciting array of events planned, including Science Club, Cancer Workshops, LifeLab, practicals and several excursions and incursions that will further enrich our students' scientific experiences and knowledge.
Please enjoy a summary of activities each year group have had in Science this semester.
Chemical preparations by our lab techs Josie & Zoe for the Year 10 Mystery Solutions assessment task
Your positive energy will be surely missed by all Ms Small! (Ms Small conducting chicken wing dissection with the 8th Graders way back in 2021)
YEAR 7
YEAR 7
Science Update from Term 1 and 2
Year 7 students embarked on an exciting scientific journey in Term 1, familiarising themselves with the science laboratory and learning essential safety protocols. A significant milestone was reached as they mastered the art of safely lighting a Bunsen Burner, a rite of passage for many, and received their official Bunsen Burner Licence!
As they delved deeper into scientific exploration, students learnt to identify, use and care for a range of scientific equipment and glassware, understanding their functions and applications. They expertly handled beakers, flasks, funnels, and test tubes, becoming familiar with the tools of scientific inquiry.
In Term 2, students collaborated in small groups to design and conduct experiments aimed at separating mixtures using various techniques. It was gratifying to observe students working together, employing problem-solving skills and communicating effectively to achieve their goals.
Well done, Year 7!
As we move forward, students will continue to develop their essential scientific skills, learning to plan and conduct investigations that are valid, accurate, and reliable. They will refine their ability to collect and analyse data, think critically, and draw evidence-based conclusions. We are excited to see their scientific knowledge and skills flourish!
Experimenting with density
Extracting salt from a solution using evaporation
Separating sand and salt water using filtration
Successful separation of a mixture of sand, foil, cork, iron filings and salt using various separation techniques
YEAR 8
YEAR 8
In Term 1, Year 8 students started their Science journey through the topic of Ecosystems. They explored the concept through the lens of their favourite Australian animal, exploring the features of their ecosystem, adaptations, food chains, and the vital role they play. Students also investigated the negative impact of human activities on ecosystems and discovered how scientific and First Nation knowledge can be combined to mitigate these effects.
To further enhance their learning, students attended an excursion to Symbio Wildlife Park, where they encountered Australian and non-Australian animals and gained insights from wildlife experts. Students then showcased their knowledge by building informative websites about their chosen Australian animal, effectively communicating their findings to a wider audience.
In Term 2, students faced a collaborative engineering challenge, designing and building complex machines to perform specific tasks. This project fostered some great creativity and problem-solving skills, with assistance from Engineers Without Borders from the University of Sydney. Students even built bionic hands!
The project culminated in the Machine Expo day, which began with an exciting Big Science Big Fun incursion delivered by Fizzics Education. Students then showcased their incredible machines to their peers and teachers, demonstrating their innovative designs.
Collaborating with the English faculty, students developed engaging advertising campaigns for their machines, applying their scientific knowledge in a creative context.
The Machine Expo day was a resounding success.
Well done, Year 8!
YEAR 9
YEAR 9
Year 9 students began the year with a fascinating chemistry topic, "Useful Chemicals". They learned about basic atomic structure and the Periodic Table, gaining a deeper understanding of the building blocks of matter. They explored common everyday chemicals like acids and bases, learning about their properties and importance in society.
Through engaging practical activities, students enhanced their understanding of chemical reactions like neutralisation and combustion. A highlight was creating their own red cabbage pH indicator and testing it on various household chemicals. Mr Bradley's class even managed to produce a stunning rainbow effect!
In Term 2, students shifted their focus to waves and their applications. They are currently working on their assessment task, a Shark Tank / TedTalk-style presentation on Electromagnetic Waves, due in early Term 3.
This project encourages students to think creatively and communicate complex scientific concepts in an engaging way. To further their understanding of wave applications, students conducted a cow eye dissection to explore the anatomy and function of the eye, providing a hands-on conclusion to the topic. We are excited to see their presentations and celebrate their scientific achievements!
Keep up the great work, Year 9!
YEAR 10
YEAR 10
Year 10 students commenced the year with a Chemistry topic, 'Mystery Solutions', where they explored the periodic table, investigating ions, chemical formulae, balancing chemical equations, and various chemical reactions. They developed their analytical skills by identifying metal and non-metal ions in unknown solutions through a series of tests.
In their assessment task, students applied these skills to solve a crime, utilising flame tests and precipitation reactions to crack the case.
In Term 2, students transitioned to a Physics topic, 'On the Move', exploring motion, force, and Newton's Laws of motion. They applied their learning to real-life experiences during an excursion to Luna Park, where they enjoyed rides and bonded with their peers. I commend the students on their maturity and responsibility displayed during the excursion.
Well done, Year 10!
Currently, students are working on their Student Research Project, designing and conducting independent, first-hand investigations in areas of interest to gather valid, reliable, and accurate data.
YEAR 11
YEAR 11
BIOLOGY
Students have learned about cell structure, function, and organisation of living things in the first half of the course. They completed a practical assessment task to demonstrate their understanding and are currently working on their depth study to further their knowledge of enzymes and develop their scientific skills.
In the second half of the course, students are studying biological diversity and ecosystem dynamics. They have just returned from their mandatory field trip to Long Reef Rock Platform, where they applied sampling techniques and measured ecological factors to gain hands-on experience in scientific fieldwork.
CHEMISTRY
Year 11 students are currently immersed in in-depth studies on reactive chemistry and stoichiometry, and recently attended an exciting excursion to the UNSW Chemical Engineering faculty to witness the practical applications of chemical concepts in real-world scenarios. This comprehensive approach is helping them solidify their understanding of complex chemical principles and see their relevance in everyday life.
PHYSICS
Year 11 Physics students are embarking on an exciting depth study challenge: designing and building a launcher to propel an object to a precise distance. We eagerly anticipate seeing the innovative solutions students will develop by applying their understanding of motion, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking. This hands-on project promises to be a thrilling showcase of their scientific creativity and ingenuity!
YEAR 12
YEAR 12
BIOLOGY
Year 12 Biology students spent an informative day at Taronga Zoo, exploring the intricacies of genetic diversity and conservation efforts. Through presentations, displays, and expert insights, students deepened their understanding of the vital importance of preserving biodiversity and the crucial role that zoos play in safeguarding endangered species.
PHYSICS
Students have been diligently constructing and refining their motors to demonstrate the principles of the motor effect. Throughout their journey, they have meticulously documented their learning and the evolution of their motor from prototype to functional device using a video blog.
This engaging project has not only deepened their understanding of complex scientific concepts but also provided them with valuable skills in design, problem-solving, and communication.
Depth Study submission. (12 Jun 2024 at 11_17) (1).mov
CHEMISTRY
Year 12 Chemistry students explored chemical equilibria and acid-base reactions, mastering quantitative analysis and the technique of titration. With their newfound skills, students were eager to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, enthusiastically determining the concentration of citric acid in orange juice.
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