Year 9 Science

Last Wednesday 9CS with Mr Hough and 9WS with 9CN, under the guidance of Mr Gunnoo, investigated cell structures. The students pulled a single layer off of the onion piece and stained it with iodine solution. This brought the nucleus and the cell membrane into contrast and the students were able to observe the cell wall under the microscope. Some of the magnified, dyed cells beautifully captured on their mobile via the microscope eyepiece.

Year 7 Science

On Monday , Dr Gonzalez, - following on from their atoms and molecules lesson -, helped 7WS to understand the concept of ions. The class tested seven different powders, in a flame, to identify which metals produced which colour flame. In the process, the students grasped the idea that atoms form ions when they gain or lose electrons.

Year 10 Science

As part of the chemical changes topic , 10CZ and 10WA were asked to move to the back of the classroom and cover their ears while Mr Rose demonstrated the electrolysis of water with a twist. The Hoffman voltameter split the solution into oxygen and hydrogen. Mr Rose demonstrated to the class how to test for both of the gases individually and then he mixed them together by bubbling it through soapy water. The gas filled bubbles were lit and went off with a bang. A well deserved applause ended the lesson.

Year 8 Science

On Wednesday both Dr Lau and Mr Philcox designed their lessons around upthrust. Dr Lau with 8WE investigated upthrust as a force. The pupils weighed several different objects both with Newton meters and by using balances to discover how much fluid is displaced when the items were in water. They understood that the upthrust force is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.

On the other hand , Mr Philcox with 8CT and 8WG looked at upthrust , sinking and floating , plus air resistance. Students watched several items in a fish tank behaving very differently. Students were given the freedom to use their problem-solving skills to explain why some items may float and why would sink. Mr Philcox explained that air resistance doesn`t act the same way as upthrust , as it only slows downward movement down by creating drag.