Science Week: Species survival – More than just sustainability
Science involves understanding the functioning of the world around us and using scientific principles to enhance the quality of life. Science Week provides a wonderful chance to honor the advancements made by scientists and to foster curiosity among our future scientific minds.
At 51, the Science team has been actively creating opportunities for students to explore and experiment with scientific principles. During Care Group sessions, students engage in activities such as competitions to rank animals based on their dental characteristics and a Science Week quiz. Students were surprised to discover that reducing meat consumption can significantly save water!
The entire school was encouraged to take part in Wednesday lunchtime Science competitions and activities. Students delved into the physics of bottle flipping, testing whether success was still possible with frozen water. Some were eager to measure their running speed over 20m. “Pat the Puffer Fish,” an activity involving balloons filled with bicarb soda and vinegar pouches, created quite a buzz as they burst on the ground, causing the fish-faced balloons to inflate. Students also hunted for well-camouflaged butterflies in the quadrangle in exchange for a prize, learning about their defence mechanisms. The students interacted with Sandy Wooderson from Wildlife Rescue, meeting baby rescue possums and turtles and discovering how they can contribute to helping injured or orphaned wildlife. Additionally, Lachlan Hallett from Australian Earth Science Education led sessions on rocks and volcanoes for Year 6 and 8 classes. He also discussed fossils, gems found in different rocks, and employment opportunities for geologists during lunch.
Our special guests and Science staff were greatly appreciated for their contribution to Science Week. Opportunities for further exploration continues this term, with Science Extension sessions starting at lunchtimes on Wednesdays and Fridays. All students are encouraged to attend and learn more about local, national, and international opportunities in Science, beginning with entries into the Territory Young Science Competition, which closes at the end of this term.