Our students are back in the science labs and this means they are back developing their scientific practical skills. Our year 12 Environmental Science class explored sustainable energy. They developed an understanding of the importance of meeting today’s energy needs by not depleting the resources for future generations. Sustainable energy often creates little harm to the environment and once set up can be a low-cost option. Students explored creating electricity from wind. There are many factors that contribute to the efficiency of wind turbines, such as the materials used and the height of the towers. Students investigated the following questions to find the most efficient way of generating the energy. 

  • What is the best angle for the turbine blades? 
  • What is the best number of blades? 
  • What is the best length of blade to use? 

Each group collected their data and together were able to draw conclusions based on these investigation questions. 

In Biology, students investigated genetically modified organisms (GMOs) which involves transferring a gene from one organism to another through genetic engineering. Students transformed a species of bacteria (E.coli) with a gene that codes for a fluorescent protein (which came from a bioluminescent jellyfish). At the completion of the experiment students were able to view their newly transformed fluorescent bacteria under a UV light. 

National Science Week 2021 is just around the corner (August 14 – 22) and this year the theme is Food: Different by Design. We all love to eat. But how will nature, technology and human intervention change the food we have available into the future? The CSIRO along with Australian industries and entrepreneurs are using science to explore new innovations. 

We will be celebrating the week each lunch by sampling some of the future food possibilities. We will be trying Choc Chip Cookies (with cricket protein), BBQ flavoured crickets, Bush tucker and a BBQ of plant-based meat options. We encourage all students to pop over and have a taste test! 

 

Skye Jennings
Science Key Learning Head