2017 School Magazine

Science YEAR 7 SCIENCE

The opportunities never stop here at Year 7 Science, from important safety talks to learning how to write our very first science report. For some, this year was the first time students had ever looked through a microscope at living organisms and for others it was the first time learning how to light a Bunsen burner, but for all it was the first time learning how fun and exciting science can be here at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Throughout the year so far, my favourite unit of science has been Term III Chemistry. Almost every lesson was experiment after experiment learning all about how to separate different substances from one another. In Biology, we also loved learning about looking through a microscope at tiny organisms. We are looking forward to Physics. MIA HAMILTON (7L) In Biology, we focused our learning on how the digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems work together to help cells perform cellular respiration to produce energy. My favourite part of this unit was learning about the heart. During our study of the heart, the Year 8 cohort was given the opportunity to dissect a sheep’s heart! We were split into groups to find the aorta, the right and left ventricles and atriums, and the pulmonary vein. Although the smell wasn’t exactly pleasant, everyone enjoyed it and is looking forward to dissections in future years. Overall, the Year 8 curriculum has broadened my understanding of Science. Though Science is an intense, fact-filled subject, the learning experience in the classroom has been relaxed, enjoyable and fun-filled. HANNA HUSSAIN (8O)

YEAR 8 SCIENCE

At the start of Year 8 Science, we were introduced to Earth Science. We learned about rocks and how they are formed, tectonic plates and earthquakes. We also learned how to abstract information from tables and graphs, which was challenging at the start but soon became easier and more enjoyable. We then ‘diffused’ into one of my favourite sciences, Chemistry. We revised how heat energy affects particles and therefore a substance’s state. We studied how molecules and atoms fit into chemical reactions. Using the Periodic Table for the first time, we studied the elements and their properties. We did a lot of fun, exciting experiments throughout the unit that enhanced our learning as well.

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2017 | CURRICULUM | 071