Literacy Wall

The Science department is May's contributor to the Literacy Wall. In Science S1 pupils investigated energy in food. In S2 pupils researched scientists from Scotland and presented their findings. In S3, Biology pupils wrote a report on the journey of oxygen from the air to skin cells. The best pieces of work were produced by: Ryan McCreath (S1); Elleis Peters and Stephanie Bell (S2); and Ashley Mitchell and John Anderson (S3). Congratulations to them!

Plants for sale

As part of the BESC project S1 -S3 Biology students and the Science Club masterclass are going into business. They bought gardening supplies and, taking advantage of the sunny weather, have created a range of products.

For sale we have: Tomato, Sweet pepper and chilli plants - £1.50 each  Herb Garden window boxes containing 3 herbs- £ 12; Colourful planters - £15; and Hanging baskets - £15.

These are on sale in school. Anyone wishing to purchase these should contact Miss Borthwick on 01290550521

Science roadshow

The science department held a roadshow for S2 pupils to help them choose their science options for next year.

Electrical circuits challenge

Principal Teacher of Science Mr Gooding was delighted to welcome P3 pupils from Dalmellington Primary who attended Doon Academy to complete the electrical circuits challenge.

Astronomer Royal visit

Pupils and staff were delighted to receive a visit from Professor John C Brown, 10th Astronomer Royal for Scotland. He gave two presentations, one to Dalmellington Primary School and one to Doon Academy pupils.

The presentation to the primary pupils was on "Abra cad Astra - The Magic of the Cosmos". Professor Brown talked about planets, stars and the sun and illustrated his talk with some wonderful magic tricks. He demonstrated reduced gravity with magnets, Jupiter’s moons with a magic ring trick and black holes by making a fifty pence piece disappear through some rubber and reappear on the other side! In addition, Professor Brown explained how he did some of the tricks, but some remained a mystery to the enthralled audience.

His talk to the Doon Academy Astronomy group was similar but with more science and different tricks. Both groups were hooked by Prof Brown’s magic colouring book at the start of the show. After the talk, Professor Brown had a chat with the Astronomy group and promised to return next year when the Dalmellington Observatory is up and running.

Sci-Fun Roadshow

The Sci-Fun roadshow, in conjunction with the University of Edinburgh, visited the school to present a day of activities for P7s from Dalmellington Primary and S1 pupils from Doon Academy. This was a reward for pupils’ effort and good behaviour in their science classes. The roadshow included presentations on our senses and global warming and there were many hands-on experiments for the pupils to try. Everyone really enjoyed the experience and pupils were a credit to the school.

Science Literacy Wall

Congratulations to Sophie Paulin, Brooke Paulin, Jade McClymont, Melanie Connell, Frazer Buchanan and Heather Dunn on their science work being selected for this month’s Literacy Wall.

Science Trip to Tongland

Congratulations to the S2 Science Award winners who, before the holidays, enjoyed a reward trip to Tongland Hydropower station near Kirkcudbright. The Tongland guide told them of the history behind the building of the series of hydropower stations by William McLellan in the 1930s. On display are original technical drawings, log books and telephones. Maps and models helped outline the slope from Loch Doon down to Tongland and pupils were impressed with the control room and sheer size of the generators. It was explained how the life cycle of the salmon is preserved and they walked along the salmon ladders which were installed to bypass the dam. Taking in breath-taking views, the highlight was when the floodgates were opened – you can really appreciate the colossal amount of energy contained in the water. Sadly, William McLellan died before he saw his vision of hydropower in operation, but thanks to his forward-thinking, we can all obtain “clean” electricity at the click of a mouse.

Science Trip to Tongland

Well done to all the S1 pupils who have achieved their Science Award. They will all be rewarded by a visit and tour of the Tongland Power Station in Dumfriesshire.

New staff

Congratulations to Leanne Kerr who was successful at interview and is appointed teacher of Chemistry.

Trip to Culzean

Mr. Gooding’s S3 Standard Grade Biology class will be visiting Culzean Country Park to research the environment for their Shore land, Woodland and Ecology unit

S2 Option Choices

The science department held an information afternoon to assist S2 pupils in choosing their options for 3rd year. In chemistry the pupils conducted the “Magnetic Cornflakes" experiment and were extracting real iron from the cornflakes with a magnet.
Mrs. Gray the chemistry teacher was quick to remind everyone “Remember not to eat too big a bowl of cornflakes before you go on holiday, or you might just set the metal detector off at the airport!”

Science Showcase

The Science department held a science showcase event for all S2 pupils to help them with their option choices. Pupils visited teachers from Biology, Chemistry and Physics and had an opportunity to learn more about each subject. S2 pupils found this a very interesting and informative session and said it would help them make the right choices for their future.

Science certificates

In Science, certificates were awarded to S1 and S2 pupils, Gary McConnachie, Colin McTaggart, Wendy Roulstone, Colin McDonald, Connor Blain, Alana Murray, Elleis Peters, Keiran Madden, Michael McKinstry, Stephanie Carrick, Sam McCrorie, Kayleigh Armour, Scott Boyd, Rebecca Copeland and Bethany Gilmore, to congratulate them for their splendid achievement in classes. Well done to them all and keep up the good work.

Oral Health

There will be oral health checks at the community centre and Doon Academy pupils will be performing a street dance based on the theme of oral hygiene.

Promotion

Congratulations to Mrs. Brooksbank, Principal Teacher of Science, who was successful at interview for the post of Depute Head Teacher at Girvan Academy. Mrs. Brooksbank will take up her new position in August.

Auchincruive Trip

On Wednesday 30th September, 20 S2 pupils were given the opportunity to visit the Scottish Agricultural College at Auchincruive Estate. With assistance from Mrs Gillespie, Mr Kavanagh, Miss Gilbertson and the helpful staff at Auchincruive, pupils were given an opportunity to take part in workshops in Biology, Home Economics, Chemistry and Geography. Luckily the weather stayed dry so pupils were able to explore the estate and it was a great day for all concerned. The S2 pupils are commended for their enthusiasm in asking questions as well as their excellent behaviour throughout the day. Many thanks to The Royal Highland Education Trust who hosted the event, and also to Mr Gooding who helped organize the trip.

Auchencruive trip

On September 30th, 32 students from S2, soon to be thinking about choices for their third year, will be going on a trip to Auchincruive for the day. There, they will be carrying out fieldwork, (experiments and investigations) outside in the fresh September air instead of the classroom. They will carry out studies in Geography, Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Home Economics. We hope they enjoy the day!

Science Study Room

From next term there will be an S6 study science room which will be set up with a computer and printer. Mr. Gooding, Acting Principal Teacher of Science, said: “This will be an ideal room for S6 pupils to revise and study for their examinations in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.”

Carbon Challenge Roadshow

In the Science department BP will be visiting the school to deliver the ‘Carbon Challenge Roadshow’. The Carbon Challenge is a high-impact Science, Maths and Enterprise Roadshow where students work together to examine the school’s carbon footprint and learn about carbon reduction through a variety of activities. This will be a highly enjoyable and informative day for students and teachers.