This term, our Year 9 Science students have been investigating the fascinating world of energy and the many ways it impacts our everyday lives.
We began by exploring light energy, learning how light travels and how our eyes and brain work together to help us see the world around us. Students examined the journey of light from a source, through the eye, and ultimately to the brain, where images are interpreted.
Our focus then shifted to sound energy and the human ear. Students learned how sound travels as vibrations and how these vibrations are detected and processed by the ear. To bring this concept to life, students enjoyed making and testing their own string cup phones, investigating how sound can travel through solids via vibrations. This hands-on activity provided a fun and memorable way to explore the science behind communication. Mrs Harvey was shocked when students said they have never heard of a string cup phone!
Most recently, students have been studying electrical energy and static electricity. One of the highlights of the unit was a demonstration using the Van de Graaff generator. Mrs Harvey, assisted by several brave student volunteers, demonstrated how static electric charges can build up and transfer. Students were fascinated as they observed charges in action and saw the dramatic effects of static electricity firsthand.
It has been wonderful to see students actively engaging with experiments, asking thoughtful questions, and developing their understanding of how different forms of energy are transferred and transformed. We look forward to continuing our scientific investigations throughout the semester.