SCIENCE AT DAMASCUS

Ballarat Wildlife Park

Year 7 Science students had the opportunity to visit the Ballarat Wildlife Park to extend our classroom learning about classification and ecosystems. Students completed a task that required them to identify the scientific name, diet, classification and conservation status of animals at the park.

Year 9 Food and Consumer Science

This semester, the Year 9 STEM unit ‘Food and Consumer Science’ has introduced students to an area of study that connects Science and Food Technology and allows a practical application of science techniques to the manufacture of products used and consumed by the general public. Students have been experiencing a balance between practical and theory; with students researching, developing and analysing their own new products. At lunchtime on Monday, they launched their product in the courtyard where the student body were able to sample their product and provide feedback on factors such as taste, texture, colour and smell. This year we had some amazing products ranging from Pasta Chips, Protein Biscoff Ice cream, Tropical Fruit Sorbet, and Human and Dog Biscuits.

RACI International Chemistry Quiz

Congratulations to the following students who obtained certificates in the 2023 International Chemistry Quiz. The quiz comprised of 30 multiple choice questions which were designed to promote chemistry and extend their chemistry skills with questions at their year level and beyond.

Year 9: Credit: Lachlan Reus

Year 10: Credit: Marlin Phillips, Charlie Snare, Will Gavin

Year 10: Distinction: Axel Durham, Joachim Henderson, Blake Powell

Year 11: Credit: Emily Crumpler, Willam Hollitt, Laura McDonald

Year 11: Distinction: Lucas Wells, Zoe Newman

Year 11: High Distinction: Lucy Leviston

Year 12: Credit: Liya Rose Benny, Drew Davis, Elarin Johnson

Year 12: High Distinction: Sienna Caldow, Jacob Gravell, Brianna White

Work experience at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI)

After making connections during the ‘Girls in Stem’ program last year, Year 10 student, Haileigh Buttiggieg, completed her work experience at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI). She had the opportunity to help with research on finding a receptor, that can be put into T-Cells, that find a specific target in Cancer Tumour Cells, and attack. She enjoyed walking through Peter Mac, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, and having lunch with Miku, the team leader of Immunology. Haileigh says that she enjoyed, and was very lucky and honoured to meet Professor and Australian Order winner, Misty Jenkins and her amazing Team and found them very friendly and welcoming. Learning and meeting so many extraordinary people through this opportunity was definitely one of her all-time highlights and she would most definitely suggest this experience to anyone that loves science and helping people.

From the garden

In our photos, we take a glimpse into the vibrant world of our Year 9 Horticulture students to witness all they have achieved this term. From the cozy confines of the Mud Brick House, students have been bringing their summer garden design ideas to life. Quick-growing radishes make for a tasty snack while waiting for corn season, while the beetroot planted as part of the 'growing summer veggies' assignment needs to be thinned. The November-planted tomatoes, lovingly watered by students, will soon stand tall with the help of teepee stakes created by the students. There is a lot to celebrate in the garden this term, amazing work by these budding horticulturists!