The Year 12 and 13 Chemistry students have been busy this term working on interesting projects.

The Year 13 class has researched and carried out the process of turning maize into biofuel as part of an internal assessment.  Across a week-long experiment they learned how to carry out the processes of gelatinisation, liquefaction, saccharification, fermentation, distillation and drying in order to obtain pure ethanol from bird food. They even managed to run a lawnmower on it (albeit for a short period of time before the lawnmower decided biofuel wasn’t for it). The students then worked in groups to produce presentations explaining the biochemistry involved, as well as how this process impacts upon both environmental and human health.

The Year 12 class has had its first taste of analytical chemistry where students obtained the skills to be able to test consumer products against the stated claims of active ingredients found on the label. Through diluting, making standard solutions, standardising and titrating, the students were able to assess the validity of claims made on the label of Pams white vinegar and Homebrand cloudy ammonia. This learning culminated in a practical-based assessment completed this week.