The science center has been buzzing with action this week with the Grade 12 IB Biologists’ Individual Investigations in full swing. Each of the 14 students has carefully designed an investigation of personal significance, which they will test over the course of 10-lab hours.

This will be written up as a formal lab report and marked as part of their overall IB grade. It is a culmination of the skills they have developed over their science career at Saint Maur.

Meanwhile, the Grade 7 scientists are getting more experience under their belt by conducting an investigation into the biochemistry of digestion. After learning about enzymes in our digestive system, students worked in groups to carry out a lab to investigate the effect of amylase on starch by testing samples of water, glucose, starch, and starch+amylase for the presence of starch and sugar, using iodine and Benedict’s solutions. At this stage, our young scientists are learning how best to organize their work stations to ensure safety and efficiency.

The protocol involved many steps, and required students to collaborate with one another and pay close attention to avoid contamination of samples. Students will carefully analyze their results and write them up in what will be their final lab report for the semester. Their skills will really be put to the test in Semester Two when they tackle their investigations for the Middle School Science Fair!