Science

In the science room...

Grade 5/6 students have begun exploring the wonders of our universe. This term students will research a planet of their choice and make comparisons between their chosen planet and Earth. Last week students made small groups and explored an interactive solar system on the official N.A.S.A website. Students decided which planet their group will study and recorded their current knowledge and understanding of our solar system in their journals.

Grade 3/4 students have begun studying Geology. They learned the difference between a rock, a mineral, soil and have been handling real samples of each in the science room. Students have also been understanding and observing the properties of sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rock samples.

Grade 2 students have been studying the relationship between global temperatures and melting glacial ice. They completed experiments which revealed that when ice begins in water (like icebergs) and melts, sea levels do not rise. However, when land ice (such as a glacier) melts, we see immediate effects of water rising over shoreline communities and a loss of habitat for the animals who live on the ice. Students also explored ways they can be environmentally conscious and help reduce this effect including walking or riding their bikes rather than riding in a car, using less water and paper when possible, and buying groceries from local producers.

Grade 1 students are shooting into space and learning about the planets in our solar system. We learned the mnemonic 'My Vicious Elephant Makes Jumbo Sandwiches Using Nutella' to remember the order of the planets from the sun (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune). Students also explored the different orbits of the planets and discovered that Mercury has the shortest orbit and Neptune has the longest!

Preps have begun watching the weather and noticing the subtle changes in the skies and landscape throughout the year. Students identified the ways we label and describe the weather and created their own symbols to represent these. Students also created a fluffy cloud art piece to demonstrate their favourite cloud patterns.

In the Garden...

Garden Club attendees discovered green unripe tomatoes on our tomato vines this week. We are very excited to see them turn red and delicious. We took a look at our potatoes and though there are no current shots developing, there are fresh potatoes of many sizes still buried from the last batch we grew. We are looking forward to seeing the next generation of potatoes grow and get even bigger (hopefully!).

...And remember mighty scientists; look closely, ask freely, and seek answers to Earth's cool and crazy wonders. 

Mrs Taylor