Science

The DNA of Mutant flies! The three Year 9 students shown are conducting genetics experiments exploring the DNA of mutant flies during an In2Science excursion to the University of Melbourne on 3rd December, 2008

What Science means at Northcote High School

Northcote High has continued to deliver a rich and growing Science Program since becoming a Science & Technology Centre in 1996. This is exemplified by our initiation and participation in the following Science Initiatives:

• Participation in SIS program (2001 – 2003).
• The NHS/STAV Publishing – ICT Conference for Year’s 5 – 12 Science Teachers. (2001 + ), hosted at Northcote High School.
• Participation in the In2Science Peer Mentoring Program (2004 +).
• Hosting the EnviroScience Expo ( including presenters from Monash Uni, RMIT, EPA, Melb Water) in 2006.
• “Bringing Science to the Community” – new program (2007 + ).
• Year 11 Chemistry –Extension program Bio21 Institute (2007 +)
• Participation (one of four schools in Victoria) in the Tall Poppy Program (2007 + ).
• Melbourne Water Yarra river Youth Conference (2007)
• Pharmaceutical challenge-Monash University (2007+)
• ATSE STELR project (2008+)
• Siemens Science experience (2008+)
• National Youth Science Forum-Canberra (2008+)
• Science communicators in school (2008+)
• Young Science Ambassadors program (2008+)
• ISS-International Science School (2009+)

In the classroom, a major emphasis has been to introduce students to cutting edge teaching methodology. Students engage in the various sciences through investigation and exploration with a great emphasis on meaningful practical activities. All students are given the opportunity to excel, by assessing in a diverse way including inquiry based projects, modeling and extension activities. The delivery of science is continually supported by the use of ICT in various forms including, data logging, multimedia and virtual classrooms are utilized to support students learning. During 2008 the development of new science electives for Y10 had a focus on new cutting edge sciences and the following units have been successfully implemented in 2009, Medical science, Nanotechnology and Forensics science. Advanced Science at Y10 is now in its second year of the STELR project, which will allow students access to new resources and enhance their experiences of investigations based around renewable energies and sustainability.

Through Northcote’s involvement in the DEECD initiative “Science in Schools” (SiS) project and the development of VELS the 7-10 curriculum has been enhanced to including multidisciplinary aspects and a widening of students skills. This has also exposed the students to various community projects, involving working with leading scientists. The development of partnerships with the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and ATSE STELR project has allowed all students to see applications of science beyond the classroom, and have the opportunity to work on projects within the universities. The opportunity for 7-10 students to work with young scientists through the Peer Mentor program has continued to be rewarding and enlightening to students.

The school has a strong VCE curriculum and offers the following subjects in Units 1-4; Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Psychology. Supporting these are the opportunities for participation in the extension and enrichment programs.

NHS and the Chemistry Extension Program

Our 2008 CEP students Christina Atkinson and Michael Derkaczwith with Professor Carl Schiesser. Sarah Adolph was our CEP student in 2007 and met with Professor Schiesser every few weeks. She also shadowed some of his PhD students. "Being involved... definitely helped me understand Chemistry at a deeper level... I feel I have a real connection to Chemistry..."

More scenes in our science classrooms

Click here to read about our Origin Home Energy Outstanding Participation Award.
(And yes - all our hot water urns now comply!)

The View over Antarctica!

Thomas Foy and Joanna Jellie of Yr 12 were two of 52 final year students selected to participate in a centenary flight over the South Magnetic Pole, Antarctica, as Young Science Ambassadors for 2009. They are pictured above with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and other participants. (Joanna second from the right, Thomas partly obscured, to the left rear of the PM)

Our 2007 NASA Space Camp

 

NASA Space Camp Graduation - April 2007