TERM 4 Week 9 2021

Year 8 continued to study chemical reactions and changing states of matter. One experiment involved heating up egg albumin and chocolate to determine which one undergoes a chemical reaction; another experiment had the teachers demonstrating oxidation of magnesium ribbon by heating the ribbon, which releases a burst of flame when the magnesium reacts with the oxygen in the air. This looked spectacular.

Year 8 then started going through a rocky time by studying the rock cycle. They have manufactured rocks with crayons, emulating the rock cycle by applying pressure and then heating the different coloured crayons, crushing them, heating these, mixing, reheating and plunging the “rocks” in iced water. Students have also been able to examine igneous and sedimentary rock samples closely using magnifying glasses.

Year 7 have been extensively studying, analysing and researching local environmental patterns and trends such as rainfall, to investigate how the sustainable use of water depends on how it moves through the water cycle. They explored how water connects people and places, and how, in a diverse society, people value water differently. Each student chose an area to study and drew maps of their chosen area and then gathered data and photos to link this back to how people in that area valued this resource.

Come along and support the G-STEM students who will be presenting their research. Some great topics are on the line-up; tooth decay, extroverts and introverts, memory, different rules for genders, and more.

Prizes are being offered for People’s Choice award and spirit of STEM awards and, you might even learn something. The link to book your FREE ticket is below.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/up-atom-g-stem-fair-2021-tickets-168391602817