SCIENCE

As usual there has been a lot happening in Science, with the countdown to the Year 12’s finishing early next term. Unit 4 Chemistry students have finished up organic chemistry and chemical pathways and are now commencing to look at the implications that this has on food chemistry. The  Unit 3 Psychology students are focusing on mental health and phobias, while Unit 4 Biology students have completed their Scientific posters- measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration of ampicillin to be resistant against E. coli, and in Unit 4 Physics students are investigating the dual nature of light – that light has both wave and particle like characteristics.  

Students in Unit 2 Physics are starting to investigate how astrophysicists investigate stars and black holes, Unit 2 Chemistry students have recently been learning about acid-base (proton exchange) reactions as well as Redox (electron exchange) reactions; looking at how these impact real world situations and the implications of these reactions for the environment. In Unit 2 Psychology students are studying the brain, parts and function as well as methods for assessing function and structure, including brain scans. The Unit 2 Biology class have learnt how adaptations assist survival and attended an excursion to Melbourne Zoo to learn more about the adaptations of the Corroboree Frog and Butterflies and collected data in the Butterfly House. They also did animal studies training at Yarra Ranges Tech School in preparation for attending the ANZLAA Conference. 

Year 10 Physics students have been learning about Newtons Laws and Motion, whilst Year 10 Biology students have been learning about the processes of cellular respiration and photosynthesis. 

Both Year 9 and 10 Forensics classes have been learning about blood typing techniques and splatter analysis, which they are using to complete a CAT. 

Year 9 Core students are continuing to learn about chemical reactions including neutralisation reactions, endothermic and exothermic and the acidification of the ocean, whilst Year 9 Sustainability are working through the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

In Year 8 Science students have been learning about the different body systems and the effect that things going wrong can have on how the body works. The Year 8 ASPIRE class participated in a practical simulation of the digestive system that provides students with a full sensory experience. 

Year 7 Science students are starting their Diversity of Organisms Poster where they will use their knowledge of Classification and taxonomy. I can’t wait to see what they come up with. 

Melinda Lori Pui

SCIENCE KEY LEARNING HEAD