Natural Sciences at St Andrew’s College & DSG
In Grade 8 and 9, learners are introduced to Physics, Chemistry and Biology (Life Sciences). They spend a term of each year on each of these disciplines. Teachers teach their specialist subjects and lay a foundation of knowledge and skills for future study in these subjects.
As a department, we have tried to increase the number of practical investigations that classes do and we continually try to make science as hands-on and enjoyable as possible.
Teachers:
Dr Ingrid Foster (Learning Area Coordinator) – Grade 8 and 9 Biology
Mr Aidan Smith – Grade 8 Physics
Mr Graham Creese – Grade 8 Chemistry and Physics
Mr Ontlametse Thipe – Grade 8 Physics and Grade 9 Physics and Chemistry
Mr Anthony Catto – Grade 9 Biology
Mrs Kate Cobbing (Head of Physical Sciences) – Grade 9 Physics
Mrs Marian Jayes – Grade 8 and 9 Biology
Mrs Madeleine Moore – Grade 8 and 9 Chemistry
Dr Petra Gentz – Grade 8 Physics
The following work is covered:
Grade 8
Chemistry: Introduction to atoms and molecules, the chemical elements, writing chemical formulas, balancing chemical equations, and acids and bases
Life Sciences: Characteristics of living things (focus on excretion and water balance), Adaptations of living things for survival and Human reproduction
Physics: astronomy, light and vision and an introduction to forces, energy and motion
Grade 9
Chemistry: Physical and chemical properties of substances, properties of metals, alloys, corrosion, exothermic and endothermic reactions, revision of writing chemical formulae and balancing chemical equations.
Biology: The Cell, Photosynthesis, Digestive System, Breathing and Gaseous Exchange and the Circulatory System.
Physics: electricity, work, energy, forces and acceleration.
Science Expo
All Grade 9 learners complete an investigative project and the best of these are entered into the Regional Expo.
In 2010, Matthew Danckwerts, Christopher Brown and Matthew Arnot were placed in the top 5 projects at the Regional Expo and were selected to attend the National Expo in Pretoria in October. Matthew was awarded a bronze medal at National Finals for his project on Oleocellosis in Citrus, as well as the Citrus Reseach Group’s special award.
Kelly Long represents South Africa 10th May 2012
Kelly Long represented South Africa at the 5th International Sustainable World Project Olympiad in the USA
