Term 2 Science, Agriculture & Mathematics Wrap-Up

As Term 2 draws to a close, our classrooms have been buzzing with experiments, projects, challenges, and guest speakers. Here’s a snapshot of the fantastic learning taking place across Science, Agriculture, and Mathematics this term!

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🌱 Agriculture Highlights

• Year 8 Agriculture students have been learning about the Australian Dairy Industry. Each student is creating a 3D model that represents a key aspect of dairy farming. Their hard work culminated in an exciting dairy farm excursion in Week 9!

• Years 9/10 Agriculture are working through an inventive unit called 'Australian Hamburgers.' Students have been challenged to design and build the perfect burger, explaining the origin and purpose of each ingredient. With materials limited only by imagination, the results have been creative and thought-provoking.

• Years 11/12 Agriculture students have taken a scientific approach, conducting experiments to investigate how different variables impact the growth and health of horticultural crops. Utilising both the outdoor classroom and controlled environments, students are developing skills essential for agricultural science and research.

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🔬 Science in Action

• Year 8 Science students dove into the fundamentals of chemistry, exploring the building blocks of matter—atoms and molecules.

• Year 9 Science conducted exciting experiments using vinegar and bicarbonate soda to explore the Law of Conservation of Mass, while developing their understanding of variables in experimentation.

• Year 11 Psychology students explored sleep patterns, intelligence tests, and how distractions influence learning. These real-life studies have encouraged personal reflection and analytical thinking.

• Year 11 Physics has covered multiple forms of Energy—Heat, Nuclear, and Electrical. Students have made impressive progress in selecting and applying the correct equations to tackle complex word problems.

• Year 12 Physics students are finishing their study of Electromagnetism and Modern Physics. With external assessments approaching, the focus is now on revision and setting up sustainable study routines.

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🔍 Science Extension – Workshop with Dr Gurion Ang

On Tuesday 10 June, selected Year 11 Science students attended a special workshop with Dr Gurion Ang from the University of Queensland, hosted at the RGS Auditorium. The session sharpened students' research investigation skills, especially around interpreting scientific information for their upcoming IA3 assessments.

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🎤 Special Guest Speaker – James Xiberras

Our Year 11 Mathematical Methods students were treated to a motivational visit from James Xiberras, mechanical design engineer at the Red Bull Ampol Racing Team, on 17 June. James shared insights from his school-to-career journey, stressing the value of persistence, patience, and chasing your goals. His talk left students feeling inspired and ready to engineer their own futures. 🏁🚗

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➕ Mathematics Across the School

• Year 8 Mathematics has seen students delve into algebra, learning how to solve equations and understand patterns—foundational skills for future problem-solving.

• Year 9 Mathematics students are discovering trigonometry, working through real-world applications of angles and measurement.

• Year 10 Mathematics classes are consolidating their understanding of measurement and trigonometry, preparing them for the rigour of senior mathematics.

• Year 11 students are completing Unit 2, while Year 12 are halfway through Unit 4. As we approach the end of the year, we wish our Year 12 students every success in their upcoming mock exams in Term 3.

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Let us celebrate the curiosity, creativity, and commitment of our students and staff this term. We can’t wait to see what Term 3 brings!

Nadene Housman

Subject Coordinator – Mathematics & Science