SCIENCE AT DAMASCUS

It has been a very busy time in Science during term 3 as students engaged in practical work and assessment tasks to complement and extend the work studied in class.

Year 7 Science

Year 7 students have just finished the Forces unit by completing their assessment task on Parachutes. They worked collaboratively with their partner to investigate whether the size of the parachute is important for slowing down the speed of the fall and then changing one of the variables. Here we see students making their parachute and dropping it from the science B3 balcony.

Year 8 Esteem

Year 8 Esteem students have been working on their “Net Zero” unit, exploring renewable and non-renewable resources along with concepts of sustainability. Students had the opportunity to spend a triple explore session using STELR Housing Kits kindly loaned from Ballarat Tech School. This was an incredible learning opportunity for our students, as they were able to test the efficiency of different building materials in the context of solar power, as well as being challenged to research, construct and test their own “Net Zero” housing design, right here in our science labs at Damascus.  Esteem students also had the opportunity to participate in either a STEM Automation or Tessellation program at Ballarat Tech School this term as well. Students enjoyed the opportunity to further refine their STEM skills, such as coding and 3-D printing, in a hand-on way.

Year 9 Horticulture

The start of spring is an exciting time at Horticulture: there are blossoms popping up, both in the native garden and in the orchard; there is an intensity to the need to get propagating in the green house; and of course, the weeds are flourishing just as much as the desired plants. Students are currently working on creating an instructional video or manual for propagating vegetables and ornamental plants that will be ready for the farmer’s market in March. In addition, they are working at managing the weeds and pests in the garden, and learning about the importance of maintaining soil health. It’s a busy time, but as always, very satisfying and enjoyable.

Year 11 Chemistry

Here we see Year 11 Chemistry students creating and testing a simple galvanic cell, called a Daniell Cell, in which chemical energy is converted to electrical energy.

Year 11 Physics

Students have been studying the physics of roller coasters.

Year 12 Psychology

For their final Psychology SAC, students have been designing and conducting a scientific investigation related to mental and psychological functioning. The photo shows students busily completing their logbook in preparation for their presentation of their findings in a scientific poster.

Year 12 Biology

Year 12 students delve into hands-on learning, completing their experimental designs in biology with investigations focused on antibiotics, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and enzyme activity. From testing the effects of antibiotics on bacteria to exploring the mechanics of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and examining the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions, these budding scientists apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, developing critical skills in scientific inquiry and analysis.

Girls and Boys in STEM

This week, a few of our year 8-10 girls and boys will be attending the third 2-day session of the Ballarat Tech School STEM program. We look forward to hearing of their experiences and wish them a most enjoyable time as they work collaboratively with students from other schools.

Periodic Table Challenge 2024

The Science Learning Area held the annual ‘Periodic Table Challenge’ for Science Week.

We congratulate the following winners on their fantastic achievements:

Junior year 7 – 9: Ruby Lethlean total of 236 out of 236.

Senior year 10 -12: Equal 1st - Axel Durham 236 out of 236 and Marlin Phillips 236 out of 236

We also congratulate the following students for participating: Ben Watt, Meg Jones, Emily Crumpler, Niamh Seare, Maddy Coffey, and thank Mrs Patricia Brown for organising this annual event.

Student News

We congratulate Haileigh Buttigieg, in Year 11, who has been selected to attend the National Science youth Forum in Brisbane in January. The NYSF Year 12 Program is designed to give students a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to encourage continued studies in these fields. Participants stay at university colleges and have the opportunity to become immersed in science and technology through a range of activities, including:

• participating in tours of science and technology facilities,

• learning about cutting-edge research, university, training and STEM career pathways,

• mixing with other like-minded students from all over Australia, and

• participating in social and team-building activities.

We wish Haileigh the very best and look forward to hearing about her experience.