Science Department News

Year 10 Science Field Trip

All Year 10 students attended a field trip to Tūhura - Otago Museum on Tuesday 5th and Friday 8th March to study the organisms found in two different ecosystems - the warm tropical rainforest of the Butterfly House and the range of ecosystems found in our local Otago area. 

The students carried out a range of activities looking at adaptations of different organisms and food webs that are found in these ecosystems. Ashley, the Museum educator, provided a range of stories and information about the Otago ecosystems in particular. The students will now complete a research project about the adaptations of two organisms - one from each of these ecosystems. 

Thank you to the staff who gave their time to support this trip, especially our ex-Biology teacher Derrith Bartley who attended both trips! 

Kathryn Baker
HoD Science

Year 12 Biology Field Trip

On Monday 11 March, our Year 12 Biology students went to the Warrington mud flats in Blueskin Bay to conduct a field study on the distribution of animals in the intertidal zone. 

It was raining in Dunedin, but we were spared in Warrington, and a good day was had by all. A couple of highlights include finding a small octopus and an elusive mantis shrimp. Students will now analyse their data to use in an upcoming Ecology paper.

A couple of highlights include finding a small octopus and an elusive mantis shrimp. Students will now analyse their data to use in an upcoming Ecology paper.

Year 13 Biology Field Trip

On March 14, the Year 13 Biology cohort went to the Royal Albatross Centre, at Taiaroa Head, to see some albatross and learn about their behaviour and life cycle.

Check out the Royal Albatross Webcam here

We then went on the Monarch Wildlife Cruise to search for some wildlife at sea. The calm weather meant that there wasn’t an abundance of albatross activity, but it made for a pleasant day and a worthwhile experience for the ākonga.

Nigel St. Louis
Science Department