Year 7

Year 7 have been busy learning how to write up a Scientific Report after conducting an investigation. In addition to this, the students have been learning all about mixtures and solutions and the different scientific methods used to separate out the different parts.

Processes investigated included filtration, sieving, distillation, decanting, centrifugation, flocculation, chromatography, evaporation and magnetism.

The students also conducted an experiment using chromatography paper to separate black ink into its separate constituent colours. We had some really great results and have shown that there may be some budding scientists in our midst.

Year 8

The Year 8 students began their journey into biological sciences by studying the fundamental building blocks of all living things-cells.  The discovery of cells dates back 400 years ago following the invention of the microscope. Using modern microscopes, our students have observed the structure of plant cells and have researched the differences between specialised cells of different organisms.  The students also created impressive 3d models of plant and animal cells.

Cells make up tissues, tissues make up organs and organs work together to build systems.  The Year 8 students have discovered that organisms have many different systems that operate together.  The students have gained an understanding of the structure and function of the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems.

Four students also were privileged to have trained and participate in the recent ‘Synergy Solar Car Challenge’, which was held near Hillarys. After a few weeks of learning basic electronics, designing, building and testing their solar car, the team got to do it all again against 15 other secondary schools in the North Metro heat.

After a series of very exciting preliminary races, our students were very excited to find themselves in the final four and got the opportunity to race off in the grand final. I am pleased to announce that our team of Arwin Jayakumar, Cooper Marris, William James and Nate O’Driscoll finished in third place. Our best performance in five years, well done boys.  

Year 9

This term, students have been studying the theory of plate tectonics, which explains global patterns of geological activity and the movement of continents. Their learning has included both theoretical concepts and practical activities, such as drawing and labelling various scientific diagrams to understand these processes. Students have also constructed models of tectonic plate boundaries and conducted experiments on convection to observe the movement of Earth’s materials.

Year 9 students took part in a field trip to explore how plate tectonics have shaped our local area. Visiting key sites in Meckering and Cunderdin, they saw the real effects of earthquakes in familiar places.  At the Cunderdin Museum, they stepped into a 1960s-style house that shook like it did during the 1968 Meckering earthquake. They also heard from Mrs Williams, who experienced the quake firsthand. They then visited the ruins of Salisbury Farm House, in Meckering, once home to Alyce Snooke and her family, which gave a clear picture of the quake’s destruction. The final stop was a preserved section of the Fault Scarp—the largest visible earthquake feature in Australia—where students saw up close how tectonic movement can reshape the land.

Year 10

During first term the Year 10 students have been investigating physical sciences, which means investigations into forces, motion and energy. In addition to indoor activities relating to motion and ticker tape analysis, the highlight was the water rocket launch day. This investigation involved launching the rocket and using the flight time, determining other key characteristics such as speed at launch and maximum height. This quantitative data adds the ability to enhance the discussions on forces in flight and Newton’s laws of Motion.

Senior Secondary

Physics

In Year 11 Physics, the students have extended upon the Year 10 science topic of motion. The students examined the new equations to identify all the factors including initial and final velocity, displacement and acceleration. Through a series of experiments using ticker tape timers and support videos, the students have established sound understanding of key areas analysing motion, which now leads into conservation of momentum and energy.

Chemistry

This year, the Year 11 students have taken off with chemistry in a way like no other. They have invested time and energy in the subject. With our interest to engage and encourage students to be self-motivated and persist in learning, there is hope for a brighter future for these students in chemistry. The students have been introduced into atomic structure, separation techniques that are frequently used in the homes, and atomic bonding and the consequences of bonding in the physical and chemical properties of substances. It is an exciting year for these students.

Year 12 Chemistry have started the year by developing on background introduced in Year 11. The students have investigated chemical equilibrium and acid base theory, which involves using sound theoretical and practical skills with volumetric analysis, which means many titrations. All essential skills will be harnessed further the year and throughout their scientific courses and careers.

Human Biology

The Year 12 course gives the students the knowledge of their own bodies as a set of systems. The students started with homeostasis, the ability of their own bodies to control internal environments to remain constant or within a narrow range of variability. Homeostasis is controlled by the nervous and hormonal systems. Now the students can relate what they experience in life, whether that is being their own growth, getting hungry, thirsty or responding to threats. Next, we will investigate how the body fights diseases, whether that is due to bacterial or viral infections. This area of learning is called immunology. This action will prepare the students for a better future in life ahead.

Steve Rigney, Mike Hillyer, Jada Yengkopiong, Morag Lancaster, Ryan Sinclair, Lauren Stone, Cam Greenley, Gerhard Vogel, Nita Budas, Mark Gargano

Science Learning Area staff

Interest Studies Program

This term the ISP’s enjoyed by the students were Badminton, All Around the World, Glass Painting, Animal Weaving Art, Pop Culture, Drama, Cricket, Boomerang Design and Making, Touch Rugby, 3 on 3 Basketball, Bronze Medallion and Primary Mentoring.

Spirit of Jesus & Ministry Winners

The Ministry Captains' Chocolate Wheel Winner this week was William Elliott.  While the Spirit of Jesus Winner(s) goes to James Davis.  Congratulations boys.

Year 8 Mother's Day Morning Tea