Innovative and Creative Thinking in Science

The Science Department has become an innovative and creative department. A sample of the innovation and creative thinking that has or will be happening this year in Science can be found below.

Depth Study

Term 1 saw HSC Biology students completing their hand-in assessment task for Year 12. This is the research and experimentation task known as a depth study and will culminate in a 12-page report due in Term 2. Late in 2022, students across both of the HSC Biology classes were asked to pick a topic of interest within the HSC Biology course and early 2023 saw students designing a research project that could be completed in the MLC School Science laboratories. Research areas include the impact of UV light, pH buffers and natural antibiotics on bacteria, fungal response to light exposure, the genetics behind fruit fly phenotypes, the pH variations of fermented products such as Kombucha, Kimchi and Ginger Beer, the growth of slime mould and many more.

Biology classes have a hum of excitement as everyone analyses results and problem solves around the unexpected errors within our experiments. The process has required teamwork as plants needed watering while students were away from school, as we worked together so everyone could gather the results required. Students dedicated themselves to their projects coming into school early and spending time in the labs during spare periods, regularly checking in on changes in their research and collecting data. It has been a valuable opportunity to experience scientific research and the process of designing and completing experiments and then analysing the results in a completely student-led environment with the support of our classroom teacher, Mrs Gaha, and the MLC School laboratory staff, Ms McAlister and Mr Blackburn. The independence, creativity and problem-solving experience gained from the depth studies along with the fun and satisfaction of completing your own research has been amazing and definitely a highlight of the HSC Biology course.

– Elizabeth (Year 12)

Click on the image gallery to view full-sized images.

Year 9

Year 9 is embarking on a module of Design Thinking in association with Sydney Science Park. Sydney Science Park located near the new Badgerys Creek Airport is a Smart City. A Smart City uses new ideas and innovative technology to reduce the city’s impact on the environment. Part of the task is to visit the site where this city is going to be built, to inspire the student to step outside the normal and really create new possibilities. Student’s gain an insight into the engineering and design that goes into the development of a modern Smart City. Students collaborate in teams to design and develop new ways to conserve energy and minimise the impact society on the environment. The task culminates in a group presentation of their idea to engineers associated with the development of Sydney Science Park. The groups with the most creative and best presented ideas will be asked to participate in the Sydney Science Park Challenge during Term 3.

– Scott Tibbey
Head of Department – Science