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Y7-9 Track&Field Day, Wednesday 16th
Y7-9 Track&Field Day, Wednesday 16th
The HPE teaching team should be congratulated for designing and hosting an incredible day of sport and fun on Wednesday of this week. House colours were the order of the day as learners embraced the team spirit and cheered each other on to win house points in each event. On a hot day the learners should also be lauded for their excellent effort and attitude. A full report is on the Sports Page.
Forensic Science!
Forensic Science!
A confused guard, an unusual crime scene, and a valuable painting…
This term, Year 8 Science learners were investigating a mystery as they were learning about Separation Techniques in Chemistry...
Learners were given a challenge: to solve this mystery using scientific techniques. The crime scene was outlined as below.:
The confused guard gave a brief testimony...he heard glass break, passed out on the armchair, then woke up to this crime scene, but he was relieved to see that the painting was still intact…was there actually a crime committed here? Learners were tasked with learning about mixtures, compounds and solutions, then using techniques such as distillation, filtration, and chromatography to analyse each of the clues. Each lesson we focused on analysing one piece of evidence to solve the mystery.
So far, we found traces of saltwater on the floor (using filtration and evaporation), alcohol in the glass of orange juice (using distillation), and a forged painting (using chromatography). We have yet to test the small broken glass vial to determine exactly what happened. Next week, we will use our forensic techniques to test evidence from the suspected thieves... who will solve the mystery of the missing painting?
An investigation about the solubility of different compounds in water of various temperatures.
Learners made their own DIY water distiller.
The distillation set-up we used to test the orange juice for alcohol.
Lots of deep thought whilst the Chromatography happened!
So the painting was forged!
When it was first mentioned that we were learning about separation techniques in Chemistry, there were audible sighs around the room. However when the mystery was introduced, you could see all their eyes light up in anticipation. Year 8W Learners have been really invested in learning each technique and analysing each piece of evidence. They are motivated to learn, and are beginning to understand the real world applications of the Chemistry techniques they are learning about.
Sylvia Klinzing, Science teacher, 8W
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