Catalyst • Junior Secondary Curriculum • Handbook 2021
Action
Project Year 7
Toys (Physical Science)
“Give me a place to stand and with a lever I will
move the whole world.” Follow in the footsteps
of Archimedes (circa 287 BC - 212 BC) Greek
mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, physicist
and engineer.
This project explores the basic principles of simple
machines and how they are used every day to make
life easier. Students will discover that many elaborate
machines and inventions are really derived from
simple machines including levers, inclined planes,
screws, pulleys, wheel and axles and wedges.
Using their knowledge of these simple machines and
how they can modify forces, students will work in
small groups to design a child’s toy that incorporates
at least two simple machines. Students will be
required to produce a labelled, scale drawing of their
toy as well as a written explanation of the physics
behind how it works.
The final project includes planning what materials
will be required, proposing a schedule outlining the
processes involved and building a small prototype of
their toy.
Action
Project Year 7
How Vital is Water? (Chemical Science)
This course specifically explores the importance and
universal uses of water.
Students learn about a variety of separation
techniques including filtration, decantation,
evaporation, crystallisation, precipitation, electrolysis
and distillation that can be used to separate mixtures
and solutions and how these processes are vital in
many industries and even in the home.
Working collaboratively, students will explore issues
related to the use of hard water and methods used
to improve water quality. Armed with a deeper
understanding of the properties and importance of
water, students will explore the principles behind
recycling of greywater or blackwater and the process
of desalination, from a scientific standpoint, create
a multimedia campaign designed to help the public
understand the processes involved in treating water
and options for reusing this valuable resource.
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