Science

Case of Identity

Forensic classes solving crime 🕵️! Students examined and analysed crucial pieces of evidence from a crime scene 🚨👣. Acting as detectives, students used their critical and creative thinking skills to piece together the story of what happened to a missing girl. They analysed evidence and solved the case🥸.

Pre Chemistry

Students in pre chemistry have been undertaking their first Student Led Investigations (SLI's) over the course of the term. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to consolidate their understanding, explore content from VCE chemistry, and to just recreate the interesting experiments they see online.

Students are required to complete a comprehensive research document on their topic, design/refine a practical, complete a risk assessment, perform the practical, then report on their observations and findings. 

So far this year, some students have produced and lit thermite (see video), explored the preservation of mandarins (photo), and utilised the gas evolved from neutralisation reactions to blow up balloons (photo).

Biology

Guest Speaker: Aboriginal Perspectives on Ecosystems

Our Year 1-2 Biology students were fortunate to welcome Jim Poulter, who provided an enlightening talk on Aboriginal perspectives of ecosystems and the intricate connections between species. He delved into the rich concepts of songlines and landscape formations, offering insights into the Dreaming and Dreamtime. A key highlight was the discussion of totems, particularly the symbolic meaning behind the white and black cockatoos, which represent balance and duality in nature. Jim's presentation gave students a deeper appreciation of Aboriginal wisdom regarding the interrelatedness of all living things. It was a captivating session that broadened our students' understanding of ecology through an Indigenous lens.

Healesville Sanctuary: Exploring Species Adaptations

Our Year 1-2 Biology students recently visited Healesville Sanctuary, where they explored the fascinating ways animals have adapted to their environments. We examined how koalas utilize a unique food niche to avoid competition, with structural adaptations like specialized claws for climbing. Students also learned about echidnas and their hollow spines, which provide insulation for survival during bushfires. The echidna’s snout is perfectly adapted for hunting ants, making it highly efficient at clearing entire ant nests. A standout moment was tracking the playful behaviors of a platypus through an ethogram, giving students a hands-on experience in behavioral observation. The day ended with a bird show, where we learned how positive reinforcement is used to train animals by mimicking their natural behaviors and habitats. It was a truly enriching experience that brought biological concepts to life!

Environmental Science excursion to Mt Rothwell Sanctuary

Our Unit 34 Environmental Science class visited Mt Rothwell last week. Mt Rothwell Sanctuary is a reclaimed sheep station that is the 2nd largest pest proof area in Victoria. On the 'safe side' of its tall fences which are also dug metres deep underground, is a wonderland of native animals that you just can't see anywhere else. Foxes and cats have been eradicated and as a result the cute little fluffies roam free; we saw animals including bandicoots, betongs, quolls and we even saw a critically endangered species of curlew.

When we arrived at the Sanctuary we learnt how to set traps and headed out on a spotlight walk (it was already dark!). Our guides cleverly spotted all sorts of shining eyes hopping about with their red light torches. We checked 6 different traps and in one we caught a brush-tailed rock wallaby that was yet to be microchipped. We were able to see how the microchip was inserted with a syringe and also how they took a small biopsy of the ear to send away to check the animal's DNA. This will be used to see if it makes a suitable animal to move to another site to help build another population. The highlight was when they checked the wallaby’s pouch and a tiny baby pocked out its nose! Oh so cute (see the video!). 

Do Environmental Science! It's the best!

Future Council

VCE Environmental Science headed into the city to see the world preview of the movie 'Future Council' which is about a busload of young environmentalists who travel around Europe meeting with Big Business leaders to challenge them to tackle issues of waste and climate pollution. We were lucky enough to meet the director, Damon Gameau, and hear the kids from the film talk about their experience. It was all very inspiring! 🌬️☀️⛈️♻️