Junior Science & Maths

During semester 1, 2021 junior science students explored the different types of energy that are used to generate electricity around the world (Coal, wind, hydro, nuclear, solar). Students compared the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and non-renewable energy, and worked on a project to design and construct a model hydropower generator. The students used their craft skills and, with the help of Uncle Norm, carefully assembled their own hydropower generator. The students’ knowledge of science allowed them to find minor and major issues during the process, as our generators did not have enough capacity to produce light. However, this gave us the opportunity to discuss that failure is a crucial part of the scientific process, as it helps us to actively think about the process and to find solutions that are outside the box of established processes. Students also visited the Mosman water treatment plant, including the Water Intake and Wastewater Treatment plant. Students observed the collection and treatment process that ensures the water that the residents are receiving is safe to drink and pleasant to taste. The day finished with a visit to the wastewater treatment plant, where they observed how the wastewater from our day to day activities is purified using physical (collection of solids), chemical (Chlorine disinfection), and biological (microorganism) processes. To consolidate their understanding, students designed and created four different filtration systems and found the best design by observing the clarity of the water at the end of the process

Maths is closely related with science and during the design process of both experiments students used mathematical skills such algebra and geometry without even thinking about it. I am looking forward to continuing work with the junior students, as they show great promise and interest in the subjects. As a new teacher at the Girl Academy, I feel grateful that I have had the opportunity to enrich each students learnings journey and also to have been invited to learn about their lives outside of the school.