Science – Inspirational Speaker and Marine Biology Excursion
Recently, Year 8 students were treated to a unique opportunity to learn about the life and extraordinary photos of a marine photographer/videographer. George Evatt, award-winning cinematographer, marine educator and professional diver, visited the girls and showed them some amazing images and videos. George’s passion and enthusiasm for marine biology was inspiring, and his stories of dives underwater were engrossing and educational. George’s photos, some of which are shown below, were impressively sharp and colourful.
George taught the students about organisms that many had not heard of, such as the brightly coloured sea spider (only slightly creepy!), the burrowing Red Octopus (which disappeared underground in the blink of an eye) and the (rather non-octopus-looking) Blanket Octopus. Girls were also simultaneously intrigued and alarmed by the huge masses of Giant Spider Crabs filmed in Port Phillip Bay. George’s presentation helped the girls learn the value of persistence and answered their questions about safety in the ocean. It was a lively presentation that complemented the Science Unit “Take the Plunge” that Year 8 students have been studying this term. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the visit, stating it was “amazing!”
The Year 8 unit “Take the Plunge” has been a fun-filled program! Earlier this term, students went on an excursion to Kamay Environmental Education Centre in Botany Bay, where they investigated biotic and abiotic features of coastal ecosystems. They heard from experienced educators about changes to the land, coastline and bay that have occurred in recent history, and how this may have affected the organisms that inhabited the area. They also had close encounters with creatures in the rock pools such as sea anemones, cunjevoi, sea stars, sea urchins and periwinkles.
After a short bushwalk, students were amazed to see a possum hiding in an old termite nest and enjoyed learning about some of the traditional uses for the native plants of the area. A great day was had by all!
Mia Sharma
Science Teacher
