Science at BPS

What a bumper term of  materials, matter, molecules, atoms, particles, mixtures and solutions we have had in the science lab on the hill. Chemistry rocks (well, actually that would be petrology right? sorry, couldn't resist a science joke there) and in our chemical science units we have been busy testing and manipulating materials to see what their properties are and how they behave. Students have considered if materials can bend, twist, stretch and move in other ways and why these properties are useful. We have looked at mixtures and solutions and made our own bubble solutions with some varying results, but enjoyed the fun of making and testing our bubbles to explore what ingredients might make the strongest bubbles. We have melted chocolate, tested which temperatures affect dissolving and looked closely at how particles move in solids, liquids and gases. We have also begun diving into some of the amazing elements found on the Periodic Table - Rubidium for your atomic clock anyone?

Science sharing week has  been a lovely way to close out the term. Our students are showing their curiosity and awareness of the world around them with many bringing in a huge variety of science related tools and information. Some of our foundation students amazed the Grade 6's when they shared their ideas about what makes our Earth happy (caring for our natural resources) and what makes Earth sad (wasting resources and not looking after the environment). We also saw a moving Lego solar system and telescope, binoculars and a compass affected by a magnet.

In grade 6, Isla brought in a water testing kit and showed us how she tests her aquarium tank water to keep the fish healthy. I have loved the variety of science books that students have brought in and shared with their peers as well.  Congratulations to everyone who has made the effort to share this week.

STEMPALS - some of our students are participating in the Stempals program (https://stempals.org.au/) and we have recieved and shared our first batch of letters from a STEM professional currently working/researching in an area of science. It has been fascinating to hear about their day to day lives and varied scientific endeavours as we get to know our allocated Stempal (Penpal+STEM professional).  Their areas of expertise are so varied, including molecular biology, geology, microbiology, chemistry and neuroscience and science communication. It has been great for the students to recognise that a scientist can work in a great variety of fields and get a sense of some of the things that scientist might do, but also that they have regular hobbies/interests and lives like we do.

Science Club - continues to run most Mondays at lunchtimes in the science room for an informal time of investigation and exploration. Open to grade 1-6 students.

Science Day - will be held next term on August 20th  with a Biology theme. Students are welcome to come dressed as their favourite animal or plant. More info will be coming early in Term 3 so keep an eye out for the Compass Event. This is part of National Science Week, celebrated across the country. Check out the website https://www.scienceweek.net.au/ if you want to find out about some extra curricular activities to get involved in.

Thanks for your support of the Science program here at BPS. Please enjoy some photos of our science activities from during the term and as always...

Stay Curious!

Mrs. Stansfield