Science

mr Nick Shaw | Head of Science

Science at Salesian took another step towards our goal of incorporating project-based learning (PBL) in all of our Junior classes. The aim of learning through PBL is for students to build 21st century skills, build student independence and for students to have a higher engagement in their learning due to the authenticity of the projects. In 2021, all Year 7 students undertook ‘The World Around Us’, a combined subject that covers the curriculum of both Science and Geography. Some of the units that the students studied were, lab safety, water in the world, liveability, ecosystems and space.

Some of our VCE students were lucky to still attend some incursions and excursions earlier in the year. The Environmental Science students enjoyed ‘Reptile Encounters’, who visited the school and the gave the opportunity for students go to get up close and personal with some of Australia’s threatened species. Physics students were also very lucky to get the chance to go to Luna Park for the day to investigate the physics behind the rides and attractions at the park.

In 2022 the Science Department looks forward to incorporating the newly rejuvenated veggie patch into the Year 9 PBL unit on food security. In Year 10 we look forward to getting back into the lab, particularly for units such as chemical reactions. In 2022 we also look forward to every Year 8 class undertaking ‘The World Around Us’, a combined subject that covers the curriculum of both Science and Geography. This will hopefully provide students more opportunity to get out into the local area, particularly for the units on geology and urbanisation.

The Science Department congratulates our best VCE science students of 2021, Will Iverson in Physics, Johnny Ta in Psychology, Shanelle Algama for Biology and Travis Pemberton for both Environmental Science and Chemistry.