On 28 October ASELL Schools held a second workshop at Mooroolbark Secondary College. Two new LLAs (Laboratory Learning Activites) were successfully trialled called Snot and Materials Testing: Plastics.  Snot is an activity in which students investigate the effectiveness of different viscosities of mucus to both trap and wash away airborne particles. This activity is designed for Year 9 students studying the topic of immunology. Materials Testing: Plastics simulates the tensile strength testing of materials that is done by materials scientists on a routine basis. The context for this activity was the testing of the plastics used in supermarket shopping bags.  Participants were amazed by the plasticity of some types of bags.  They were able to stretch to more than three times their original length without breaking.  An associated activity looks at the systematic testing of plastics resistance to cutting and tearing.

St Ignatius College Geelong hosted an
ASELL workshop on 21 October.

A laboratory Learning Activity in which the citric acid concentrations of different lemon juices was trialled.  Current work is being done to see whether the method can be used for measuring citric acid in orange juice.

Here is the link to the new ASELL Schools website. http://www.asell.org/Schools/Home

This site is still in development but will eventually provide an extensive database of exemplary laboratory learning activities.

There will be a meeting held at Deakin University Burwood from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm on 16 June 2016 to plan the development of a number of Laboratory Learning Activities and ASELL Workshops to be held in the latter half of 2016.  If you would like to particpate in the meeting please contact Ian Bentley [email protected]

There will be a planning meeting held at North Geelong Secondary College from 3:45 pm – 5:30 pm on Monday 6 June, 2016.  There are several Geelong Schools attending but if you would like to join us please contact Ian Bentley [email protected]

Welcome to the ASELL for Schools (Victoria) blog.  This blog will be the main vehicle for communication with schools in Victoria.  There is a lot going on at ASELL  for Schools (Victoria) at the moment with many schools joining the program.  We will be announcing the dates and venues for several workshops to be held in the latter half of 2016.

If you would like to develop Laboratory Learning Activities (LLAs) and teaching approaches and skills that really enhance science learning through laboratory and other hands-on activities then join the ASELL program by contacting the Project Officer, Ian Bentley [email protected]