2020 School Magazine

YEAR 12 BIOLOGY

I t has been exciting to dive into new content this year in Biology, where we studied a range of topics including epigenetics, evolution, biotechnology and biodiversity. We are lucky to have had so many practical experiences that have helped us understand the world around us, from collecting primary data at Stradbroke Island and Hastings Point to investigating diversifying ecosystems, through to genetically modifying DNA to make bacteria glow and being able to create our own Student Experiment exploring different aspects of ecology. This year we have not only been able to explore new topics, we have also delved deeper on some covered in previous years, such as evolution. Year 12 Biology has provided us with lots of memorable experiences and has allowed us to explore the range of different pathways the study of Biology has to offer. From learning about Stratified Sampling through to analysing the Human Genome Project, we have been encouraged to consider what our world comes down to in a biological sense. The open discussion and never-ending flow of information about topics that we often find ourselves wondering about has deepened our learning on several biological concepts and has allowed us to view the world a more insightful way. Olivia Bisset (12O), Dayle McDonald (12H), Claire Saggers (12O), Isabella Sneddon (12E) and Annaka Tong-Law (12M) Y ear 12 Chemistry has allowed us to explore various exciting topics, from teaching us that titration requires our concentration, through to learning how organic chemistry causes ‘alkynes’ of trouble. We have learned through our studies of organic chemistry and its application to industry, that chemistry is everywhere. We have also gained knowledge and understanding about how we can reduce our impact on the environment through studies of Green Chemistry. Green Chemistry has never been more relevant, providing insight into how we can use chemistry to overcome and help find solutions to combat prevalent world-wide issues related to the environment and use of finite resources. A popular topic covered this year was Saponification, and given the threat of COVID-19 washing our hands has never been more important. Thanks to an explanation from our genius Chemistry teachers, we now understand not only how to make soap, but also the science behind its cleaning action! After completing our mock exams we can definitely apply Le Chatelier’s Principle: that if stress is applied to a system in dynamic equilibrium, the system will adjust to relieve that stress. Chemistry has certainly been challenging, but with the study and problem-solving techniques we have learned, we all felt well prepared to take on the external exams! Fiona Brown (12G), Gia Cayas (12G), Alexia Georgas (12B) and Lauren Stacey (12L) YEAR 12 CHEMISTRY

YEAR 12 PHYSICS

T aking off at nearly the speed of light, eager Year 12 Physics students hit the ground running, immersing themselves in new, brain-bending concepts from the first lesson. Want to look younger? We learned the secret: a paradox! Take a trip to space, but make sure you’re travelling close to the speed of light and are in the right reference frame. Interested in quantum physics? We took a glimpse into the Newton vs Huygens feud: is light a wave or a particle? Oh wait, it’s both. Circular motion problems really threw us for a loop, where we focused on orbits and on one of the four fundamental forces: gravity. Zooming from some of the biggest objects in our universe to the smallest particles of known existence—elementary particles—we marvelled over the strangeness of the Standard Model. We learned some cool hand rules for electromagnetism which can double as dance moves! Overall, our love for Physics is as strong as the strong nuclear force–the strongest of the four fundamental forces. Olivia Bisset (12O), Alexia Georgas (12B), Matina Samios (12W) and Eva Seet (12B)

90 | BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2020