Science

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Level 5/6

Level 5/6 students completed the term by providing their understanding of chemistry, changes in states of matter, and the difference between physical and chemical change. This term’s chemistry unit was also underlined with a "who dun it?” style mystery where students were trying to use science to determine who made a mess over the last school holidays and left it in the science room for 5/6 students to find on the first day of term. Students made their final guesses based on their investigations and during pack up time on Monday they all found out who really did it…

Level 3/4 

Level 3/4 students finished off their materials unit by creating a product that showcased their understanding of materials, their properties, and how materials are combined for specific purposes. Products included a model house for toys, drink bottle holders, a soccer ball stand, a basketball hoop, fidget spinners, hand sewn bags, and more! 

Level 2

Level 2 students had a lot of fun creating a small model shield for a pretend superhero in science last week. Students used their understanding of materials and their properties to design their shields to be flexible, strong, rough, shiny, waterproof or transparent. Students demonstrated their creativity skills and resilience when their products came out a little different to their plans.

Level 1

Level 1 students completed their dive into Australia’s First scientists; our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Students have been exploring natural materials, their properties, how they are used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to make games, everyday tools, to build shelters, to hunt, and in the farming and collection of food. Last week students were introduced to the yarning circle and created their very own yarning stick. Students loved the use of the yarning stick as it gave them the feeling of being seen and heard during group reflection time.

Prep

Prep students had a very exciting lesson last week as we brought out the big bad wolf (a hair dryer) to blow down the houses they have been creating in teams, during science. Students were as delighted when the houses stood as when they were blown over! Building houses gave students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding that materials are often chosen with purpose for specific tasks. Most students used stiff cardboard in the production of their little homes and varying designs to keep them upright. This week we completed a chemistry unit reflection and played ‘Materials bingo’ for some end of term fun.

In the science room

I am excited to share that the dragonfly larvae that has been swimming around the tank and growing steadily, morphed into a flying dragonfly on Monday morning! 5/6L were just beginning their main lesson task when the dragonfly began zipping around the roof. Students were surprised, then delighted when they learned what it was and where it had come from. We carefully caught it and took it outside the Boorai. Students had the chance to look closely at it before it was ready to fly off into the world. I felt such joy and gratitude that it emerged at a time when I was in the room to catch and release it safely. It left behind a token of its journey, the exuvia (shell) it emerged from during molting.  

Until next time, remember to act like a proton and stay positive!

Mrs Taylor