YEAR 7

Students in Year 7 have been investigating separating techniques in their science lessons, building on their understanding of the particle theory of solids, liquids and gases. Filtration and Evaporation are two of the experimental processes they have investigated collaboratively within their enquiry based approach, amongst other learning the students have investigated the growth of crystals in concentrated solutions. 

YEAR 8

8SCI recently completed a task that allowed them to design and launch a pressure-powered rocket!

As part of the year 8 Science topic ‘Rocks’, classes conducted a practical activity where they modelled the formation of a special time of sedimentary rock, a conglomerate, by making some rocky road. A conglomerate is a special type of sedimentary rock, composed of rounded pebbles and sand, bound together to form something that looks a little bit like the delicious sweet treat rocky road.

YEAR 9

During the year 9 science topic ‘Inside Atoms’, students participated in a practical experiment called a flame test. This experiment helps identify the specific metal ion present in an unknown substance by observing the distinct colour produced when the substance is introduced to the flame of a Bunsen burner. The energy from the flame stimulates the electrons within the metal ions, leading to the emission of visible light. Each element possesses a unique emission spectrum, which allows for differentiation between different elements.

As part of the study on atoms, year 9 science students undertook a hands-on experiment to explore and examine the various physical and chemical properties exhibited by a diverse selection of elements. This investigation aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the distinctive characteristics and behaviours of these elements. By conducting this experiment, students were able to observe and analyse the dissimilarities in how these elements interacted with their surroundings, both in terms of their physical attributes and their chemical reactions. The experiment provided valuable insights into the unique properties that define each element, enhancing the students' knowledge of the fascinating world of atoms.

YEAR 10

Year 10 has been exploring the areas of biology specifically genetics and evolution and chemistry through chemical reactions. They have recently completed a half yearly exam in the hall modelling the situations they will experience in year 11 and 12. Subject selection for year 11 is fast approaching and students are encouraged to discuss potential science subjects with both their teachers and parents with many options available for study. 

YEAR 11

CHEMISTRY

BIOLOGY

Biology students undertook a field trip to the Mt Kiera escarpment to investigate a rainforest remnant at its base. This is a mandatory component of the Biology syllabus and students soon got to grips with field sampling techniques and investigated the unique flora and fauna that is very different to their local bushland communities. Biology students spent term 1 studying ecosystem dynamics and biological diversity. To supplement their studies they ventured out to Mt Kiera to collect some first hand data about a local ecosystem. The students braved the weather and leeches to take quadrat samples and observe interactions between different elements of the rainforest ecosystem. This term the students are looking at a more microscopic level - cells as the basis for life. They are currently working through a practical depth study to model diffusion and osmosis across a semipermeable membrane. 

Literally Learning by Osmosis!

EARTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT

The Earth and Environmental class recently travelled to Kiama looking at the geological features of the area, as well as the anthropogenic impacts of humans on the environment with a focus on mining. The students travelled to Saddleback Mountain (an old volcanic plug), both the little and big blowholes and the old Bombo quarry. They are currently compiling the information collected and completing soil analysis for inclusion in a field report. Many thanks to Mr Whatling for joining the trip at the last minute.

PHYSICS

Physics  students have been preparing for their half yearly exam by studying the Kinematics and Dynamics topics. Congratulations to all students who have been studying hard and best of luck with your exam.

YEAR 12

CHEMISTRY

Year 12 Chemistry undertook a topic called ‘Acids and Bases’ in which they learned about and conducted a number of titrations. A titration is an analytical laboratory technique in chemistry used to determine the concentration of a substance in a solution. It involves adding a known volume of a standardised solution, called a titrant, to the analyte solution until a specific chemical reaction reaches its endpoint. Titrations are used extensively in pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis, and research as they provide precise quantitative data for quality control, research studies, and chemical analysis. St John’s is entering a number of teams in the Royal Australian Chemical Institute titration competition in 2023, so watch this space to see how our teams perform.

BIOLOGY

HSC Biology students in term 1 participated in a 2 day incursion here at St John’s to learn more about biotechnology - what it is, the science involved, and how it can be used to make biotech medicines.

The program featured a hands-on molecular biology approach, and gave students the opportunity to explore the methods scientists use to create biotechnology medicines. St John’s teachers in partnership with the University of Sydney and AMGEN Pharmaceuticals lead students through the molecular engineering process that allows human insulin to be mass produced in vats by bacteria. As we are unable to experiment on human genes, a red fluorescent gene from a sea urchin was engineered by the students into E. coli bacterium. Students had to manipulate the plasmids with restriction enzymes, run confirmation electrophoresis gels and amplify the target gene using Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a method widely used to rapidly make billions of copies (complete copies or partial copies) of a specific DNA sample, allowing scientists (aka yr12 BIO students) to take a very small sample of DNA and amplify it (or a part of it) to a large enough amount to study/visualise in detail.

Focus now turns toward the trial exams.

EXTENSION SCIENCE

Extension science students have all been busy working on their research projects in preparation for a conference at UOW on the 6th of June. We are looking forward to learning about the work being done by students all over the wollongong diocese and the chance to tell others about the terrific work we are doing at St Johns.

Mr Charlie Coulson-Knight