Collaborative Science
Year 11 students studying Biology, Chemistry and Sports, Exercise and Health Science in the IB Diploma program ventured out into the local community for a day of field work at Sydney Olympic Park on 17 September.
The collaborative science project encourages IB students to work with those studying other branches of science. They work in mixed groups using the scientific skills they have been practising in the classroom to work towards a common goal.
This year’s theme looked at Sydney Olympic Park and how this mutli-use space serves its community. Students cycled though Bicentennial Park to take water samples, count wildlife, interview the public and conduct their own sports studies. The project aims to explore how scientific inquiry can inform diverse real world applications such as community planning, environmental stewardship and public health.
Once back at the College, students presented their work as posters and had the opportunity to present their projects to Ms Skerman and their peers.
‘The collaborative science project excursion at Sydney Olympic Park provided a valuable opportunity to engage with the scientific process in a real world context. By investigating the relationship between hydration chemistry and sprint performance, my group applied our theoretical knowledge to practise experiments through interdisciplinary exploration including knowledge from Chemistry, Biology and Sports Science. Presenting our research to younger students and the Principal reinforced the importance of scientific inquiry and peer education. The experience demonstrated key IB learner profile attributes such as being reflective and knowledgeable, and highlighted how science can help us understand performance and wellbeing beyond the classroom.‘
Poppy Haigh
Year 11 IB Biology
Our collaborative sciences project gave us a chance to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, from conducting fieldwork during the excursion to presenting our findings as a team. As a cohort, we learnt to coordinate ideas, manage time and refine our communication, which helped us grow as learners. We practised being reflective, open-minded and knowledgeable, and saw how science connects to broader social and environmental issues. It was a practical experience that challenged us and showed how collaboration can deepen understanding, which is essential as IB students.‘
Edith Barrett
Year 11 IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science
‘I liked how the project connected to real-world issues. It was a nice way to take our learning outside the classroom and work with others in our year. We got to share ideas and see different ways of thinking, which made the whole experience more meaningful.‘
Gabriella Elias
Year 11 IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science
‘Participating in the collaborative sciences project was an enriching experience that allowed me to explore a classroom theory in a dynamic real world setting. The experience enabled me to deepen my understanding of scientific principles but also showcased our core IB learner traits that are deeply rooted in our course such as being thinkers and innovators. My particular group focused on exploring how environmental conditions across zones in Sydney Olympic Park such as biodiversity, soil contamination and physical activity potential, ultimately affecting its liveability. Having the opportunity to share our findings with younger students and the College Principal emphasised the value of curiosity, collaboration and peer-led learning. Ultimately, this project illustrated how science can be applied beyond the classroom, offering insights into human performance and wellbeing in everyday life.’
Arianna Harris
Year 11 IB Biology
