Science Week 2021

During Week 6 of this term we were lucky enough to celebrate Science Week. It was so wonderful to see so many students and staff engaging in activities that, hopefully, will continue to inspire and engage students in Science. Students were invited to engage in the following activities:

Monday: Make Your Own Lava Lamp 

Students were invite to make your own lava lamp. Staff and students discussed the density of liquids and chemical reactions that occurred to create the lava lamp.

Tuesday: The Mentos Challenge

Students were invited to make a prediction about which soft drink would create the biggest chemical reaction with the mentos. Most of the students predicted Pepsi and were correct! It was great to see so many students engaged in conversations to explain to their friends why they made the prediction they did. 

Wednesday: Microscope Open Day (Biology/Cells)

Students were invited to look at different cells under the microscope. They were able to see blood cells, plant cells and onion cells. All of the students were shocked to see what these cells looked like under the microscope. 

Thursday: Exploding Watermelons

Students were able to see the power of forces in action! It was incredible to watch a watermelon totally change shape before exploding. A huge shout out to Mr Dunn and Mr Clifford who had to stretch 179 rubber bands over a watermelon - the pain of Science!!!

Friday: Bottle Rockets

On Friday, students were able to be involved in the launching of bottle rockets on the oval. Students were able to discuss appropriate modifications to result in a more successful launch. 

It was such a fantastic week and I want to thank all of the staff and students who were involved. I have included some images below.

General Notices:

• STEM Excellence (Ignite) - we are so excited to announce the refinement of our STEM Excellence program at the College that will kick off in 2022. Students in the incoming Year 7 cohort have been invited to apply. This program will see extension opportunities across all learning areas, with particular emphasis on the STEM subjects. They will also partake in an Ignite elective to bring meaning to all of these curriculum areas in a projects based approach. The existing Ignite program will still continue with current students and we know that the curriculum approaches we develop for the new program will support us to refine and extend the existing Ignite program. 
• No hat, No play! As we approach the warmer months there is no better time to talk with your child about sun safety. We encourage all students to wear sunscreen to school and require students to wear hats when outdoors.

If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding Maths, Science and/or HPE, please contact me at the College or via my email tsmur0@eq.edu.au

Tess Reeves

HoD Maths, Science & HPE

tsmur0@eq.edu.au