Enviro: All Junior Science Students
Students have recently taken part in an environmental river study. The students will analyse nitrates dissolved O2, turbidity, PH & temperature levels at three different sites along a river.
The results will be used to conclude which parts of the river are the healthiest and which parts are in poor condition. From this data we will be looking to riparian plant along the banks of the river in most need therefore taking positive action to enhance the stunning natural environment we are blessed with in Taranaki , plus keeping it safe and healthy for future generations to enjoy.
Miss Hooper |
Click HERE to check out our river studies |
Year 9-10 Science
2009 has seen the year 9 and 10 Science Classes combine. The first challenge was to learn a number of forensic techniques and solve a crime. The Weather unit included making hot air balloons and super chilling water and making it freeze using salt and ice. Fizz Wizz Bang was about chemistry. Lots of experiments with bangs, smoke and fizz. Supersize me had students studying digestion and the digestive system. Making a head torch proved very popular during the head torch unit. The year was capped off with the environmental river study.
Mr Hooper |
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Year 13 Chemistry
We have enjoyed expanding our minds into the atomic world and looking into the microcosm to see what is looking back at us. The year 13 chemists have synthesized beautiful sweet smelling esters, nasty smelling ???? and distilled and purified very small amounts of organic products using some very challenging quick fit glassware, which managed to survive Crystelle’s “light” touch . We also have seen the changing colours of the transition metals.
Miss Hooper |
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Year 12 Biology
The definite highlight of this years Year 12 Bio course was going with the girls to the Coastal Vets in Opunake to watch and learn about the insides of a 2 week old bobby calf. This was part of our Animal Diversity Unit where we were particularly interested in the calves lungs and respiratory system but Greg the vet gave us a head to toe overview of the complete workings of an inner calf.
I would like to say a huge thanks to Greg and the staff at Coastal Veterinary Services for having us and taking time to teach future biologists.
Miss Ritchie |
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SENIOR PHYSICS/ELECTRONICS AND ENGINEERING
Year 12 physics includes some traditional physics, engineering mechanics and electrical.
Electronics involved selection and testing and all using components to make a printed circuit board. Highlights included determining the speed of a paintball along with a little off task target practise. The shock circuits made in electronics proved to be popular especially when students passing the room were invited to enter the room and received a shock from the door handle. A few teachers were not impressed.
Year 13 physics was offered as a Video Conference course with Matt Coleman from Stratford.
Mr Hooper |
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SENIOR AGRICULTURE SCIENCE (Yrs 11-12)
These classes typically look at general Agriculture such as animal production, soils, pasture and crop production and environmental impact.
Highlights this year were Yr 11 Practical Skills such as the shocking experience of putting up an electric fence, spraying weeds and planting potatoes. We dissected a sheep’s digestive system.
Year 12 had a trip to a local farm to try their hand at Artificial Insemination of cows. Year 13 Ag- Science this year was taught through video conferencing.
Miss Ryan |
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9 AG MODULE
Year 9 Ag 13 week modules were packed full of fun!! Activities included weeding and digging out in the plots, planting seeds and seedlings, germination investigates word games “Grit” – a farming board game, DVD’s and a “pest” research project.
These classes have “tackled” the school gardens and have done an awesome job of improving the look of these.
Miss Ryan |
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