This term our Year 7 students have become budding astronomers!
The students began the Earth and Space Science term by memorising the order of the planets in our solar system, before exploring how Earth’s rotation creates day and night. Building on this, they discovered how the revolution of Earth around the Sun, combined with the planet’s tilt, produces the changing seasons.

Our focus then turned to Earth’s natural satellite—the Moon. Students drew and modelled the phases of the Moon, learning how its gravitational pull influences the tides on Earth, creating both high and low tides.

To finish, students experienced a historic moment in astronomy by watching footage of the first Moon landing—an extraordinary achievement for the human race and for students to view and contemplate. As Neil Armstrong famously said: “That’s one small step…”

During the term, our Year 8 Science students have been exploring Physical Sciences. The students have been learning about how energy is transferred and transformed and spotting real-life examples in everyday situations such as cooking and how we generate power for our homes. To put their learning into practice, the students carried out an investigation into different insulating materials by measuring how quickly soft drink cans lost heat. This hands-on approach has helped students see how science connects to their everyday lives.

The area this term for Year 9 is Biology, with a focus on Environmental Science and Conservation Biology. This is largely influenced by the annual excursion to Eadine Springs to carry on the tradition of environmental work by the school. Students use a range of samples from the area to study the change in the soil and water compared to previous years.

Onsite the students measured the ground, surface and air temperature. The Year 9 students collected water samples to test the salinity and pH. They also collected soil samples to observe the soil structure, salinity and pH. These samples will be taken back to the science laboratories for the cohort to undertake the relevant experiments. In addition to the samples, students also completed multiple quadrats and transects of the area to identify the variety of trees and other plants in the area. All this work will culminate in a scientific report, which the students will showcase all they have learnt and their understanding of how Eadine Springs can be maintained.

The field trip to Eadine Springs has long been part of the Year 9 Science program, introducing students to locally developed, world-recognised soil improvement methods, important for wheat farming in the region. The skills developed lead to ongoing discussions in other areas of science and to develop an interest in career pathways examining areas of soil science, ecological science and ecosystem management. The field trip and following experiments in class also assists students with an understanding of how to care for the environment today, which will support our future.

This term, all Year 10 students have been diving into the amazing world of Biology. The classes started with examining characteristics of all living organisms and then looking at the building blocks of all living things—cells.

Students discovered that cells are made up of tiny parts called organelles, each with its own special job to keep the cell alive and working. Using microscopes, they got a close-up look at plant and animal cells and then became real scientists by swabbing areas around the classroom and growing these microbial samples on agar plates. As the days progressed, the students were impressed, and maybe a little appalled, by the amount of growth appearing as cells reproduce and grow. The 10B science classes, developed their observations into an analysis report, which was submitted as their first assessment for the term.

In addition to this, students have been learning about DNA, the code that makes each of us unique. The students explored how DNA determines characteristics like eye and hair colour, and even how changes in DNA can lead to genetic disorders, with the 10A students submitting a research poster linked to their findings as their first task for the topic and the 10B students working together to solve a ‘Decoding DNA’ puzzle to find out which animal in the nature reserve is the culprit eating all the wildlife. It’s been a hands-on and eye-opening beginning into the science of life, with the journey to continue by looking into genetic prediction tools and studies into natural selection.

The Year 11 Chemistry ATAR students commenced new topics this term. They carried out a serial dilution of potassium permanganate to determine its concentration in every step on the way. This technique is applicable in many areas of human endeavour such as microbiology, chemistry (of course), biochemistry, and other biological sciences. It is a skill that must not be missed. The students enjoyed the experiment and understood the main idea behind it.

The Year 11 Physics ATAR students commenced the semester examining wave theory and throughout the term have been working through nuclear physics. This included forms of radiation, nuclear equations and processes for reactor operations, examining ways to mitigate associated risks and storing waste materials. The topic has highlighted the value of nuclear science to society, through areas such as radioisotopes in nuclear medicine for diagnostics and treatment and research areas dating ancient artefacts and structures.

In the Year 12 Human Biology ATAR course, the students investigated evidence of evolution in primates. To do so, the students carry out comparative anatomy, follow evolutionary changes in DNA and protein structure, understanding the distribution of species and investigating in detail how embryology in different species appear and change. In the latest investigation, the students carried out gel electrophoresis of Lambda DNA after it had been cut with specific restriction enzymes. The students appreciated the importance of the technique to show evidence of evolution in different animal species, and the results were outstanding.

Our Year 12 Chemistry students have culminated their work with organic chemistry, looking at various reactions and observing reactions with hydrocarbons in various forms. The students conducted experiments creating artificial fragrances (Not all pleasant), identifying the reaction components and examined the links between stains and solvents by understanding intermolecular forces. The students have a few additional areas to consolidate in industrial chemistry, including how to maximise yield and minimise waste in a range of manufacturing and engineering processes, before their summary work and preparation for the final examinations, the first of which is during the second week of the October ‘school holidays’.

Our Year 11 and 12 Aviation students have been involved in various activities to support the course content. To develop their knowledge of aircraft components and aviation history, the students have been building a range of models and researching key information of their aircraft such as significant operations or wars where it was involved and outlining its role, whether that be as a fighter aircraft or as a trainer and how this has helped or is helping Australia’s ongoing national security.

The students have also been wrapping up their compulsory 11 units and conducting a range of practice tasks to be able to sit for the final written and practical assessment for their Remote Pilot license next week. This has involved revisiting coursework from earlier in the year and gaining additional flying hours to consolidate the wide range of skills required to safely and legally operate a drone. If all goes well, the students will then have a few weeks to get through additional content that will lead to final assessments to complete their Certificate III in Aviation. Having this certificate means that our students by the end of the term, will be deemed professional drone pilots and be industry ready to work in the aviation sector in various contexts using uncrewed aerial vehicles.

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

Science Learning Area staff.