Science
Will the heavier skydiver land faster than the lighter one? Will a larger parachute reduce the speed at which a skydiver falls? Our Year 7’s have been investigating these questions this term. Working in small teams, students’ skydivers took many jumps from great heights and their times were recorded. Students wrote a scientific report on their findings and linked the data collected to their understanding of air resistance and gravity which was taught during remote learning. Year 7 will be finishing the year off by completing their own scientific investigation. We are looking forward to seeing the results!
Year 8s are exploring how energy is transferred and transformed by experimenting. For their final CAT in Science this year they will investigate the potential energy that exists within rubber bands and calculate how much energy is stored within them by launching the bands from a ruler. The burning of Cheezel’s has taken place as they measured the amount of chemical energy stored within each one. The longer the Cheezel burned, the more kilojoules it contained. Students collated their data in their teams and presented their findings in a practical report.
Year 9s have now completed their own scientific investigations. During the last week of remote learning each student developed a question they would like answered. There was a large variety of questions asked, such as “Are other senses heightened when we lose our eye sight?” and “Which fruit is the best conductor of electricity?”. Over the past few weeks students wrote their own methodology, prepared their materials and performed their experiments at home. Each student presented their findings as a poster.
Our senior students have now completed their coursework for the year and we wish them all the best with their exams. We will welcome back our Year 10 and 11 students for their Orientation classes shortly.
Farewell and good luck to the class of 2020, we are so proud of you and hope you come back next year to visit!
Skye Jennings
Head of Science