Secondary News

Learning and Teaching

Grade 11 Physics students have continued to study oscillations and this week they have been investigating damping. Damping is when an external force (such as friction) causes energy to be transferred from an oscillating system to its surroundings. This causes a decrease in the amplitude of oscillation and is used to good effect in car suspension systems In simple terms, damping refers to the gradual reduction in the intensity or magnitude of a physical phenomenon. In the case of oscillations, damping can be used to reduce or eliminate unwanted vibrations. Grade 11 students have been exploring how different types of damping, such as viscous damping and Coulomb damping, affect the behaviour of mechanical systems. They have also been learning about how damping is used in real-world applications, such as shock absorbers in cars and buildings to reduce the effects of earthquakes Understanding damping is crucial in many fields, including engineering, physics, and music.

Grade 9 Chemistry students have been proper chemists this week, making salts from different reactions. They are at the final stages of the preparation of some copper sulfate crystals and have managed to make a beautiful dark blue solution In addition to synthesizing copper sulfate, students have been learning about the properties and uses of various types of salts. They have been studying the chemical reactions involved in the formation of salts and the factors that influence their solubility.

By observing and analysing the behaviour of different salts, students are gaining a better understanding of the role that salts play in a wide range of applications, from food preservation to water treatment. The experience of working in the lab and observing the results of their experiments is helping students to develop important scientific skills, including critical thinking and problem-solving.