20 Aug 2018
The current Year 8 Science unit - "On the Slopes" - began with a focus on avalanches. Students simulated avalanche situations, using common household substances, to determine the angle of an slope and texture / crystals of "snow" which may result in an avalanche. They used technology effectively to film the resulting slips/slides in slow motion.
Students are now investigating balanced and unbalanced forces, friction, air resistance and buoyancy while gaining an understanding of the importance of forces "on the slopes". From working out how to move a 200kg snowball, to considering the difference between grass skiing and snow skiing, there has been a lot to think about. Specialised scientific equipment, such as spring balances, have been introduced so students can measure force (which they now know are measured in Newtons).
