Science News
It’s been a wonderful start to the year in Science with so much learning and excitement. Here is a short summary of some of the many things students have studied this term.
Year 7
This term, Year 7 has been learning the basics of Chemistry in the topic Your Kitchen Laboratory. They have learnt scientific skills along with the Particle Theory of Matter through a series of engaging experiments. They finished off the topic this week learning about liquid nitrogen and using it to make ice cream!
Year 8
Students investigated the Great Barrier Reef, including ecology, adaptations and human impacts. This led to discussions on the cause of tides and experiments to compare the density of salt vs freshwater. Students were particularly enthusiastic about pressure experiments where they observed a marshmallow blow up to triple its size under a vacuum. In the latest topic “Feed the World” students were amazed at the rapid colour change seen with iodine in the presence of starch, and used experiments to discover that both yoghurt and chickpeas contain starch.
Year 9
Students have been studying Pills, Potions and Pops. They have been bedazzled by the clever arrangement of the Periodic Table and made aware of the ever-present nature and dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide. They have learnt about different reaction types and the factors that may affect them.
Year 10
Students are completing Rotations where they move through Biology, Chemistry and Physics topics.
In Biology, students learnt about the reproductive system, DNA and genetics. Students particularly enjoyed the dissection of porcine testes and observing rat ovaries under the microscope.
In Chemistry, students learnt about atoms and ionic and covalent bonding. They conducted experiments to precipitate unknown salts from solutions and used problem solving skills to determine the composition of the salts.
The Physics topic this Term was Motion, and students developed their understanding of the principles behind car safety features. Students enjoyed using their own bodies to produce movements that matched displacement and velocity vs. time graphs using digital sensors and echolocation.
Our Senior students are finishing exams at the moment, and have worked hard throughout the Term to understand some difficult concepts.
Year 11
Biology
Students learned about cells and their organelles, diffusion, osmosis and enzymes. They designed their own experiments to test the effect of different conditions on the activity of enzymes in the liver and were particularly enamoured by experiments on the effect of surface area to volume ratio that used pretty pink agar cubes.
Chemistry
Students have developed their repertoire of knowledge of chemical reactions and worked hard to set solid foundations for the challenges that await them in the rest of the course. They have covered topics such as Schrodinger Model of the Atom, writing more complex formulae, types of reactions, percentage composition and gravimetric analysis.
Physics
Students investigated terminal velocity and carried out a depth study that culminated in an excursion to iFly (indoor skydiving) where they balanced their weight force against an updraft in excess of 130 km/h. It was an uplifting experience.
Year 12
Biology
Students conducted a deep dive into DNA, genetics and biotechnologies. They found it particularly interesting when discussing technologies that have allowed us to develop vaccines, PCR tests and possible therapies to cure genetic disorders. They have even cloned plants in the laboratory!
Chemistry
Year 12 Chemistry students have been striving for the perfect tinge of pink colour while learning about the art of titration. They dropped the base, kept their pH high and built upon their state of equilibrium. Throughout the term, their rate of reaction grew organically as their ability to understand complex chemistry increased.
Physics
Physics students have studied electromagnetism and motors. They expanded their skills to develop a simple motor and other applications of the motor effect.
It’s also been a great Term for Co-Curricular Science, with record numbers of students attending Biology, Chemistry and Physics Olympiad Training. These sessions will continue next term.
Also, a big thank you to our Science Leaders who have been doing a marvellous job designing experiments and teaching students the science behind these investigations. In Science Club, students have designed and built rockets, made flames, see-saws and jumps, investigated plate tectonics using Oreo biscuits and completed an egg-drop challenge for Easter.
Here are some images from Science Club
The Science Department
