Observatory Hill Environmental Education Centre

Leading environmental education to empower learners for a sustainable future.

Telephone02 9247 7321

Emailobservhill-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

S3 - Physical World @ The Coal Loader

Physical World @ the Coal Loader is a Science and Technology study focusing on how light, heat and electrical energy make things happen. Students will also learn how we can use forces and energy in a product or system. Discussions of sustainability and renewable sources of energy will encourage students to make wise decisions that will have a positive impact on the environment. 

Program location

The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, Waverton. View the Google Excursion Map with approximate walking route, meeting location and pick up location. Please note the bus drop off and pick up point is The Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability at 2 Balls Head Rd, Waverton. 

Key inquiry question

  • How do light, heat and electrical energy make things happen?

  • How can we use forces and energy in a product or system?

Key syllabus outcomes

  • ST2-8PW-ST describes the characteristics and effects of common forms of energy, such as light and heat

  • ST2-1WS-S questions, plans and conducts scientific investigations, collects and summarises data and communicates using scientific representations

  • ST2-3DP-T defines problems, describes and follows algorithms to develop solutions

Student pre-visit and follow up activities

n/a

On the day activities

During the full day fieldwork excursion, students will undertake the following activities:

  • An introduction to solar energy through building and racing solar powered cars

  • Investigative artwork to demonstrate how plants use the sun’s energy

  • experimenting with sunlight to create heat to cook a marshmallow in a pizza box 

  • A scavenger hunt to collect data of sustainable energy features available for houses.

Cost 

  • Schools in North Sydney LGA - Free
  • Other DoE Schools: $15 per student
  • Non-DoE School $25 per student (GST free). Minimum cost of $600.

Excursion program downloads