News From STSS

Foundation 1–2: Exploring Materials

Our youngest learners have been busy becoming scientists! They have been exploring the world of materials and learning to describe their properties. Students used words such as rough, smooth, soft, and hard to describe what different materials feel like.

They also went on a materials hunt around the school to discover what things are made of. The children noticed that many objects are not just made from one thing, for example, a chair can be made of metal and plastic.

 To put this knowledge into action, the students were challenged to design and build their own bridges. Students discovered first-hand how the properties of materials influence how structures are built in the real world. This hands-on learning is helping Foundation 1–2 students build their vocabulary, practice careful observation, and connect science to the world around them.

Grade 3–4: Exploring States of Matter and Coding

In Grades 3–4, students have been learning about the three states of matter; solids, liquids, and gases, and how these can change when heat is added or removed. They have observed and carried out a range of exciting experiments to bring these ideas to life. The children were fascinated to see how crayons of different colours melted at different rates, and they observed balloons inflate and deflate as the bottles they were attached to were placed in hot and cold water. They also created condensation by cooling a jar with ice and salt, then noticed the water droplets forming on the outside, showing how water vapour in the air can change back into liquid.

In Digital Technology, the students have begun their coding journey using Grok Academy. Their first challenge was the Monster Maker task, which gave them a fun introduction to computer programming while sparking creativity and problem-solving. Together, these learning experiences are helping Grades 3–4 students develop both their scientific understanding and their digital skills.

Grade 5–6: Investigating Matter and Exploring Data

In Grades 5–6, students are learning about the three states of matter and how substances change from one state to another. Their focus has been on the arrangement of particles and how this explains the different properties of solids, liquids, and gases. To explore this, they carried out experiments such as trying to compress sand, water, and air in a syringe to see how each state behaves. They also used baking soda and vinegar in a bottle to inflate a balloon, showing how a gas can be produced during a chemical reaction. Using playdough, students created their own models of the different states of matter, helping them to visualise how particles are arranged.

In Digital Technology, students have been learning about data and how it can be represented. They tested whether an online spinner was truly random by collecting and combining results from the whole class in a shared spreadsheet, giving them hands-on experience in working with data sets. Alongside this, they have been developing their understanding of online safety, with a focus on how to collaborate responsibly and respectfully in shared digital spaces. They also reflected on their current digital visibility, recognising how much of their information and activity can be seen by others online.

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