Year 8 students, in Term 1 Science learnt about Physics. Concepts explored included the types of energies, energy transfers and transformations as well as energy efficiency. The term’s learning culminated in the Academy of Maths and Science cohort experiencing the forces that they learnt about, first-hand, at Dreamworld.
It is one thing to learn science in a classroom but to experience learning in context consolidates student’s knowledge and enhances engagement. Dreamworld was the perfect place for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting by calculating the kinetic energy, velocity and gravitational potential energy associated with various rides.
The dare devils were able to experience gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy, at extreme levels, on rides such as the Steel Taipan, The Gold Coaster and The Claw. Whilst those less adventurous, were able to learn by experiencing and collecting data on tamer rides including The Escape Coaster, The Shockwave, Candy Flyer and Soaring Swing.
This excursion was the perfect end to a great term of science and in addition to creating a solid foundation on which to build future Physics knowledge, it was an excellent opportunity to strengthen friendships and make memories of life at Varsity College.
Sienna Earwicker, 8X
