2014 School Magazine

PHYSICS DEPARTMENT – YEAR 11 ALEXANDRIA BROWN (11G), SHANIA ROSSITER (11H), AMELIA TAM (11E) AND AILSA TRAVES (11G) Year 11 Physics has broadened our knowledge of a range of Physics theories and concepts, which will surely help us with our future studies. We have explored ideas including lenses, equations of motion, and waves in a way we haven’t experienced before. Our lessons consisted of theoretical work combined with fascinating practical experiments. In Term IV, we tackled our first extended experimental investigation into a physics phenomenon of our choice. This experience was challenging at times but overall highly enjoyable. We believe the Physics topics we encountered in Year 11 will be beneficial for our future scientific studies. ■

PHYSICS DEPARTMENT – YEAR 12 PHYSICS: a memoir — Watt is physics? Physics this year has been a challenging, interesting and, most of all, the electrifying experience. Together we analysed relatively important topics, including how not to burn down a house using circuits, the best way to store chocolate and whether uranium is the power source of the future. The year blasted off with a unit on circuits, followed by a thrilling Extended Experimental Investigation, which allowed students to delve into previously unexplored phenomena. These topics, which could be chosen from a selection of questions proposed for the International Young Physicists Tournament, ranged from ‘why do balls make an unusual chirping sound when colliding?’ to ‘why can chocolate exist as a solid and a liquid at the same temperature?’. In our final term we studied quantum mechanics, allowing us to grasp concepts such as Schrodinger’s cat and the Higgs boson particle. As well as being an intellectually stimulating subject where we learned to reconsider our current understanding, the classroom environment is one of harmony, respect and support. CLAUDIA GULBRANSEN-DIAZ (12L), SALLY IRVING (12E), ANNA RAFTERY (12O) AND CLAIRE ULRICH (12L) Physics: An eclectic experience Physics, which in Ancient Greek refers to the ‘knowledge of nature’, is traditionally the study of matter, as well as related concepts such as energy and force. However, in Year 12 BGGS Physics, our classrooms combine elements of the English language, history, philosophy, religion, sustainability, ethics and geography to create a fascinating and intellectually stimulating learning environment in which all girls are able to excel. The last two years of senior Physics have been challenging yet exciting, with students exposed to a diverse range of material, from how our eyes work to the latest theories on the structure of matter. From the seemingly impossible experimental investigations, to hastily assembled revision notes, we have stretched ourselves and developed vital problem-solving skills that we will benefit from for years to come. Through our Physics lessons, we have been exposed to real-life situations and dilemmas. Senior Physics has equipped us with the skills to question our surroundings and interact with our environment in new and innovative ways. Often, we find ourselves pondering the root of everyday phenomena, and this relentless curiosity that has been cultivated and instilled in us from our Physics unit will enable us to strive to new heights in the future. HANNAH HASSUM (12E)

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