Science/Outdoor Ed
Biology Rat Dissection
Year 11 Biology students got hands-on in the lab this term with rat dissections to deepen their understanding of anatomy and body systems. The experience sparked both curiosity and strong stomachs!
Reconciliation Week in Entry Science
Some Entry Science classes investigated the many ways resins were used by Indigenous Australians, including for food collection and to make ceremonial artefacts and art. Using samples of soft rock collected locally, they ground the rock to make a paste that was then used to create artworks and their own symbols. It is thought that natural substances such as blood, bone marrow and resins were used to strengthen natural paints used for artwork such as cave paintings. To explore ideas about the properties resin would add to ochre paints, PVA glue, to mimic resin, was added to the paste, and the potential longevity of the paste with and without "resin" was compared.
BrainSTEM Challenge
Six TC students took part in the BrainSTEM SDG Challenge this week, exploring UN Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health & Wellbeing.
Mixed into teams with students from other schools, our students showed incredible courage, confidence, and inclusivity as they collaborated to develop innovative solutions to real-world health challenges.
Each team modelled their ideas using LEGO and pitched their concepts to guest judges and peers. We’re proud to share that TC students were part of both winning tables AND the People’s Choice Award-winning team!
Well done to all involved, what an outstanding achievement!
Environmental Science Penguins Excursion
Our VCE Environmental Science students recently visited the new St Kilda Little Penguin development as part of their Unit 3 studies.
Using the penguin colony as a real-world case study, students explored key environmental processes and decisions including the influence of government and non-government bodies, legislation protecting wildlife and the environment and the role of stakeholders .
They toured the newly developed St Kilda pier and penguin viewing platform before observing the penguins arriving at dusk.
An unforgettable way to bring their studies to life!
Outdoor Ed 1&2 Peninsula Camp
Last week the 1-2 VCE Outdoor Education class ventured to the Mornington Peninsula for camp. We bushwalked along the Portsea back beach to the 'London Bridge' and then back through the National Park. Our campsites were glorious next to the bay with amazing views. We studied some indigenous art that was commissioned in Rye and we had some time to explore Rye further [aka thrift shopping]. In the afternoon, we geared up for snorkelling with the Australian Fur Seal colony. We snorkelled over a couple of sites near Queenscliff and saw stingrays and a big variety of fish. On our final day our group split and did a Bushwalk or a cycle tour around Point Nepean. The best way to explore, learn, and connect with the outdoors!
Rotary Sustainability Award Ceremony
On Wednesday the 11th of June, the TC Environmental Action Group were invited to come to the Rotary Sustainability Award ceremony at the Sofitel on Collins Street. Meg Bailey and Darren Irvine took Alex Fernandes, Priya Chandy and Annika Lemark on behalf of the TC Environmental Action Group.
Rotary Melbourne runs a program every year where all Victorian schools get an opportunity to submit a poster and a report about their school and the things they do to promote sustainability and environmental action, for an opportunity to win $3000 to put towards sustainable initiatives. This year, 13 schools applied and all were invited to the event.
At TC we do many things to promote sustainability and run environmentally conscious events, such as the twilight market, clothes swap, bee club and Lead to Sustain. The criteria for the award was for a student or group of secondary school students who created or developed a project that demonstrates leadership and people's engagement in sustainability. Lead to Sustain was a significant part of our campaign. Lead to Sustain is a conference held by Manningham Council at Currawong Bush Park for local primary schools, centered around our environment and sustainability. Activities around waste and recycling, biodiversity, and environmental leadership ran through the day, Templestowe College’s Environmental Action Group ran 2 activities about pollution of waterways and correct uses of bins.
The Awards event was lovely, with first some canapes and some funky tasting drinks which we later found out was made with the infused vegetable scraps from our lunch. We then migrated into the LaTrobe Ballroom, and were sat on a very swish table, with loads of cutlery and plates. We were sat on a table with representatives from other schools where we got to learn a little about what they did. We were introduced to John Savage, Executive Chef at the Sofitel who explained our meal. He talked to the lengths the Softiel goes to to reduce food waste and introduce more sustainable practices. The informative conversation ended with discussion about the meal for the event. Lunch consisted of a main of smoked barramundi with a yellow capsicum coulis and salted egg fish skin and sea air topper with roasted carrots and steamed broccolini as sides. We also had an amazing lemon meringue tartlet for dessert. The co-founder of SecondBite, Simone Carson AM and Barbara Yerondais, Chair of the Rotary Melbourne Environment Award presented the award. Unfortunately we didn't win, but St Monica’s College in Epping had an amazing pitch, and we hope to use what we learnt from them and their pitch to win next year.
This was followed by the lunch's keynote speaker, Dr Fiona Simon, CEO, Australian Hydrogen Council, who talked about a call to action on emissions, emphasising the need for hydrogen and infrastructure to support the change to sustainable energy. Then the event was closed with Past President Bob Glindermann OAM.
It was an amazing day and a lovely experience, and we are looking forward to winning next year.
– Alex Fernandes