Science
During the Week 3 Blackout, science students made use of the biological specimens that were in the quickly thawing freezer by doing some dissections. Mostly middle years students participated, but there were some enthusiastic junior students there as well. Students dissected a cow eye and a white rat to learn about body systems. Both dissections are part of the Year 9 and Year 11 biology curriculums respectively, but these lucky students got to have an extra go thanks to the power outage!
VCE Biology and Middle Years Genetics & Biotechnology
Middle Years Genetics & Biotechnology students began their genetics studies with a long time favourite activity – Zazzle Marshmallow babies. “Couples” determined what their Zazzle baby might be like by flipping coins to represent inherited alleles for dominant and recessive traits, which could include colour, tails, size, length of antennae, number of eyes, and sex. The Zazzles then lined up for a Kindergarten class photo while their “parents” looked on.
Year 11 VCE Biology students have begun their studies of cellular transport by modelling how cell size and Surface Area to Volume Ratio affects the rate of absorption. They did this with two practicals, one modelling cells with agar that changed colour and another with dialysis tubes that contained large molecules within the selectively permeable membrane.
During the Week 3 Blackout, SEAL science students participated in the “Worst Day in the Science Lab” practical by simulating fake wounds that could occur in a science lab if proper safety precautions aren’t followed. Using fake skin, blood, bubble wrap to simulate burns and parts of nails, metal shards, and broken glass/plastic, students came up with some fantastic and gross wounds. They then went around to scare Mr. Barut and anyone else they could find. Luckily, nothing like this really ever occurs in the science lab because ESC students always follow the safety rules!
Ashley Forster