Throughout Term Three, Year 8 science classes have worked collaboratively on their SRP (Students Research Project) in class.

Each group chose between one of four topics to research, design, and complete anexperiment upon. They then discussed the results and drew conclusions.

Students began by discussing and outlining their aim, hypothesis, variables, and materials.

Then, they drafted a method and identified the possible risks when conducting their experiment.

After conducting the experiment, groups collected their data and worked separately to draw graphs and write their reflections and conclusions.

This SRP required students to utilise their scientific skills to build upon their knowledge and create reliable, valid and accurate scientific reports. Furthermore, students learnt how to apply their knowledge and skills to everyday challenges and class tasks—gaining valuable experience working with peers and communicating effectively.

Indi Spagnolo – 8.1 Science

Science Extension Major Project - Ryan Gill

Recently I completed an Extension Science HSC major project looking into the effects of microplastics on the growth and health of Coastal Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa), a hardy Australian native plant. I have always been interested in the impact that human life has on the environment and the world around us. I hold grave concerns about what the future holds and what will come from mistreating our natural environment. It was for this reason that I was inspired to complete this study. The presence of microplastics in waterways and the food chain are well-known areas of concern. On further investigation though, I found there was very limited research into the effects of microplastics in the soil and the flow on effects to plants. I decided to investigate this further. There was no data from Australia on microplastic in plants further directing my investigation.

The experiment was conducted over a 14-week period and analysed at the end using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient to show any significance. Five concentrations of polyethylene microbeads in the potting mix were prepared and separated into 15 pots (3 per concentration) with coastal rosemary in each. Plant growth in height, width and mass are good indicators of health and were measured in this research every week for 14 weeks. At the conclusion of the experiment, the plants were removed from their pots and donated to the school with the microplastics removed.

After the 14-week trial, it was found there was no significant correlation between the mass, height and width of the plants and the microplastic concentration. This result was surprising given some of the international results found in other studies overseas, using similar methods showing significant links. The insignificant correlation of my results could be explained by the short duration of the trial or the size of the plastics being used were too large to cause direct toxicity.

Throughout this course, I learned extensive skills in scientific writing, research and experimentation beyond the level normally attained in high school giving me a better foundation for university. This subject was a highlight of my senior experience and I strongly recommend this course to anyone who has a passion for Science, the world around them or current real-world issues.

I intend to further my studies in this field and I am pleased to have received an offer of early entry into the University of Wollongong studying a double degree in Environmental Science and Computer Science. This course has given me the confidence and tools to better my university experience.

Ryan Gill

Below is a snippet from Ryan’s Scientific Research Report. In Term 4 you can find his full report in the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) for browsing.

The effect of polyethylene (PE) microplastic concentrations in soil on the growth and health of Westringia fruticosa with extrapolations into the future.

Abstract 

Microplastics are an emerging environmental contaminant in soil that has inconsistent conclusions about the effects on plants (Rillig, 2019).  The effects of soil microplastic concentrations on Australian native plants specifically is unknown. This research aimed to determine if there is a relationship between the concentration of 2mm polyethylene (PE) plastic microbeads in soil on the health of plants by measuring the growth in mass, height and width of Westringia fruticosa. Five concentrations of PE and soil were prepared with a Westringia fruticosa. The initial and final height, width and mass were measured. The average change in (Δ) height, width and mass were calculated at the conclusion of the investigation and were statistically analysed for significance using a Pearson's correlation coefficient. There was a statistically insignificant correlation, with height and mass being negatively correlated and width positively correlated. The null hypothesis, a difference in the concentration of polyethylene microplastic beads in the soil will have no effect on the growth in mass, height and width of Westringia fruticosa were accepted. Future studies using finer microplastics over a longer period of time may show correlations of significance.