| Ecolinc - DE&T's new Science and Technology Innovations Centre is now open. Classes are available for students in state of the art laboratories with computers, microscopes (monocular, binocular, trinocular and video camera assisted), monitoring probes and other IT equipment, plant micro-propagation facilities, a glasshouse, potting shed and shade house. Fieldwork and SAC tasks can also be conducted in Ecolinc's horticultural plots, native gardens, wetlands or the nearby Werribee River.
VCE Biology sessions available at Ecolinc include:
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Unit 1: Unity and Diversity
(Choose from the following half day practical investigations)
AoS 1 - Cells in action
To complete Outcome 1, use compound light microscopes to study plant and
animal cell structure. Prepare and examine temporary slides using different
staining techniques and investigate osmosis under the microscope.
AoS 2 - Functioning organisms
To complete Outcome 2, conduct micropropagation (plant tissue culture) in
the laboratory to examine how plants obtain nutrients, energy and water
whilst growing in test tubes.
Unit 2: Organisms and their environment
(Choose either or both of the following half day programs)
AoS 1 - Adaptations of organisms
To complete Outcome 1, undertake practical investigations examining the
wetland ecosystem by identifying environmental factors, adaptations of
aquatic species; structural, physiological, behavioural and reproductive
features, and distribution of living things.
AoS 2 - Dynamic ecosystems
To complete Outcome 2, conduct field investigations exploring the
interactions of living things in their wetland ecosystem. Sample and identify
the wetland for macroinvertebrates, examine relationships between
organisms, classify organisms into trophic levels and construct energy flow
pyramids. Use a computer program to model the effects of human induced
changes, such as pollution on the wetland ecosystem. This program may be
extended by including an investigation of a grassy woodland ecosystem for
comparison at nearby Mt Rothwell*. An optional dusk walk reveals a range
of endangered nocturnal mammal species including eastern quolls, brushtailed
rock wallabies and eastern barred bandicoots.
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Unit 3: Signatures of life
AoS 1 - Molecules of life (full day program)
To complete SAC Outcome 1 investigate energy transformations within plants through the process of photosynthesis.
AoS 2 - Detecting and responding (full day program)
To complete SAC Outcome 2 conduct micropropagation (plant tissue culture) in the laboratory and use plant tissue cultures to examine the effects of auxin and cytokinin on root and shoot development.
Unit 4: Continuity and change
AoS 1 - Heredity (full day program)
To complete SAC Outcome 1 detect genetically modified organisms in foods using PCR and gel electrophoresis techniques.
Contact Ecolinc for further details and bookings
ecolinc@edumail.vic.gov.au
T: 03 5367 0171
F: 03 5367 0174
17-23 Labilliere Street, Bacchus Marsh Vic 3340
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