NASC offers a science taster to Stage I students

Northern Adelaide Senior College students are learning whether components are ohmic or non-ohmic using various voltages and currents in Stage I Science class.

It’s one of the many physics lessons that Stage I Science students have been investigating before they study chemistry next semester.

“The course is designed to give students a broad range of knowledge from all four strands we teach,” says Julian, Stage I Science teacher.

“We do biology in term 1, physics in term 2, chemistry term 3 and environmental sciences in term 4 with the idea that we’re trying to give students the necessary knowledge that will allow them to potentially transfer into Stage II for those particular sciences.”

Julian says that he wants his students to learn the skills involved in science, whether it’s learning experimental techniques, understanding the maths or understanding how to write an investigative science report.

“To me what I want students to get out most is the skills rather than the knowledge,” says Julian.

“Knowledge I can only give so much in one term but hopefully helps them for Stage II. If I can get that across, I’m happy.

“I try to make it relatively experimental. So we do a range of investigations across all strands of science to keep it hands-on and fun, but the same time still try and get some of the knowledge and content across.”

Franco O. and Kane P-S., NASC Stage I Science students, say that Stage I Science is a good introduction when you’re not sure what you might be interested in.

“I’ve always been genuinely interested in science. I studied it in my own time whenever I could get my hands on it,” says Kane.

“Julian is a good teacher. When he has the time he comes over to you and talks to you about it and tries to help you along. He’s quite understanding and that helps a lot.”

“I think if you have some interest in science I would promote this class because it does give you a good introduction into different fields and who knows you might look at some rocks in geology and fall in love with it,” says Franco.

Stage I Science is open for Semester 2 2020 enrolments. Call Northern Adelaide Senior College on (08) 7285 1600 to book your place before August.