Science

Mr Cyrus Naseri Head of Science

The Science Department, with its experienced and dynamic team of teachers and laboratory technicians, had a positive and successful year. They facilitated and provided students across all year groups with inspiring and engaging lessons and activities. Year 2015 was a rewarding year for Science staff as they witnessed students develop their scientific knowledge and achievement across all Science courses.

During 2015 academic year, the national curriculum for Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 Science courses was fully implemented. In addition, Year 11 Science WACE courses were also introduced across all disciplines. Teachers worked diligently during the 2015 to gather resources to tailor tasks and assessments in line with the guidelines of the new curriculum. National science curriculum provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of important science concepts and processes, the practices used to develop scientific knowledge and its applications in everyday life.

The Australian curriculum supports students to develop their scientific knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about local, national and global issues and to participate in science-related careers. Students in Years 7–9 completed a rich and diverse curriculum in Science learning areas, preparing them for specialisation as they move up through Years 10-12 of their schooling.

During 2015, several digital learning resources such as Into Science and Britannica Science Learning Pathway were examined and trialled by Years 7 and 8 teachers. Students explored simulations and virtual interactive activities, reporting that they found the lessons engaging and fun.

Students in Year 10 non-ATAR pathway course had the opportunity to participate in a number of incursions such as Forensic Science ‘Bringing to Life’ with guest presenters using real-life forensic problems to further stimulate their interest.

The Year 7 cohort took part in a cross-curricular activity with the Religious Education Department. This course was developed by Mr Michael Slack-Smith and titled Sustain Our Swan and is based on the adjacent Swan River using data-logging equipment. This activity was an excellent introduction to environmental awareness, and students developed a sense of stewardship of the river for the future.

Samuel Carbone at the Houston Space School

Science Week experiments in the Senior Library

Science Week experiments in the Senior Library

Science Week – A representative from Scitech shows students how to make Elephant toothpaste! Science Week experiments in the Senior Library

We had a number of entries from our Years 9, 10 and 11 students in the Australian Science Olympiad Competitions and we were very pleased to have a considerable number of students achieve Distinction and High Distinction categories. The Australian Science Olympiad Competition is a national extension program for top performing secondary science students which culminates in the International Science Olympiads. Well done to all students who participated in the competitions.

We are fortunate to have a number of world-class scientific research facilities in Western Australia which provides opportunities for us to engage and inspire students. The south-west of Western Australia is a world biodiversity hotspot with its unique flora and fauna. During every academic year, Year 11 Biology students camp and explore the wildlife at Dryandra and the Stirling Ranges and study the conservation management plans and efforts in these spots. We are determined to continue to look for opportunities to use resources outside the College, to enhance our learning program.

Astronomy and Space Science continued to expand and capture students’ curiosity under the guidance of Mr Bill Cooper whose knowledge and interest made the Astronomy course a very popular elective. During every year, Astronomy students in Years 9 and 10 attend two camps to launch a high altitude balloon at Dowerin and a rocket at Perth advanced rocketry in Toodyay. Students enjoyed and experienced the tracking and recovery of the balloon and rocket. The high altitude balloon collects particles from the upper atmosphere and once it is recovered, Mr Cooper and students download and analyse data and images using a number of software packages.

In 2015, Samuel Carbone (11.1), was offered an astronomy scholarship including a trip to the Space Camp in the United States. Samuel’s interest and knowledge was also evident when he won the Gemini Astronomy Competition. It was very pleasing and rewarding to see Samuel’s high achievement in Astronomy. Students in Australia, including Samuel, had a chance to use an hour of observing time on one of the world’s largest optical telescopes, the eight metre Gemini South telescope in the Andes Mountains of Chile. Samuel selected and took an image of an object in the southern sky and wrote a winning explanation of why his selected target was a good choice to be imaged by the Gemini South Telescope.

National Science Week 2015 is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. Thousands of individuals, students and scientists get involved taking part in more than 1000 science events across the nation. Our College also took part in celebration of the Science Week, and students from the Junior School and Senior School participated in several events and activities during Term 3 from 15 August to 22 August. Students from Years 6 and 7 enjoyed a series of chemistry presentations that combine explanation, interaction and amazing demonstrations of science effects. Students were also provided with an opportunity to take part in hands-on activities to explore and examine static electricity using physics apparatus such as Van de Graaff generator and Wimshurst machine. Furthermore, Years 8 and 9 students attend a science career presentation which has been designed to inspire students to pursue careers in science. We might not know the future, but we do know the skills gained through studying science, technology and maths gives students the best start in any career. Skills such as problem-solving, logic and critical thinking are applicable to all careers. These skills are valued by employers and help students be workforce-ready.

Mr Cyrus Naseri Head of Science

Science Week experiments in the Senior Library