Science

Prep Science – Weather and Seasons

In Prep, students have been exploring the weather and seasons as part of their Earth and Space Science unit. They’ve learned how changes in the weather affect what we wear, the activities we do, and how we interact with the world around us. Through hands-on observations and class discussions, students identified different types of weather, such as sunny, rainy, cloudy, and windy, and described how these conditions influence daily life. They also explored how seasonal changes affect the environment, including plants, animals, and people. To showcase their learning, students created their own weather report videos, acting as junior meteorologists. In these reports, they described the day’s weather, suggested appropriate clothing choices, and recommended activities suited to the conditions. This engaging activity helped students connect science to their everyday experiences while building confidence in speaking and presenting.

Level 1 Science – Earth’s Resources

As part of their earth and space science unit, they have been learning about the importance of taking care of Earth’s water, land and air, that involves consideration of reducing, re-using and recycling materials to conserve Earth’s resources. Students explored the environment around them, analysing different types of soil at DPS and what lives inside them. They investigated ways of preserving our soil to keep it healthy, such as worm farms, composting and taking care of the environment by reducing what we put into landfill. We are currently working towards making an eco-friendly object out of recycled materials.

Level 2 Science – Night, Day and the Solar System

In Level 2, students have been investigating the patterns of night and day, the Earth’s revolution around the Sun, and the planets in our solar system. They explored how the movement of Earth causes changes in light and shadows, and how its yearly orbit creates the seasons. Students learned about the Sun, Moon, and planets, comparing their features, sizes, and positions in space. They discovered how these celestial bodies move and how this movement affects life on Earth. To showcase their learning, students created a Google Slide filled with facts and diagrams of the planets, the Earth’s orbit, and the concept of night and day. This task allowed students to communicate their understanding in a visual and engaging way, while building confidence in using digital tools to present scientific ideas.

Level 3 Science – Earth’s Surface and Sustainability

In Level 3, students have been exploring the features of soil and rocks, and how natural processes like weathering, erosion, and deposition shape the Earth’s surface. They investigated different types of soil found around the school, examining their colour and texture. Students also compared the hardness of various soil rocks and learned how these materials break down over time. Through hands-on experiments and observations, they explored how wind and water contribute to erosion and how this can impact the environment. To apply their learning, students worked collaboratively to design and plan an eco-friendly environment aimed at preventing erosion. They developed strategies such as planting vegetation, using natural barriers, and reducing human impact to protect soil and landscapes. This task encouraged students to think critically about sustainability and how we can care for Earth’s resources.

Level 4 Science – Water as an Earth Resource

In Level 4, students have been learning about water as a vital Earth resource and how it interacts with different surfaces and materials. They explored how water behaves when it encounters various environments, whether it soaks in (infiltrates), pools or floods, runs off, or causes erosion.

Students investigated the natural water cycle and the urban water cycle, learning how water moves through our environment and how human-made systems help manage it. They conducted experiments to observe how different materials respond to water and discussed the importance of designing landscapes that use water wisely.

As part of their learning task, students designed their own water-smart landscapes, incorporating features such as permeable surfaces, rain gardens, storm water drains, and vegetation to help move and manage water effectively in urban settings. This task encouraged students to think critically about sustainability and how thoughtful design can help protect our environment.

Level 5 Science – Space and Celestial Systems

Level 5 students have been exploring the wonders of space, focusing on how the movement of celestial bodies creates observable patterns in our daily lives. Throughout the unit, they investigated Earth’s rotation, tilt, and revolution around the Sun, and how these movements result in phenomena such as day and night and the changing seasons. Students also examined the planets in our solar system, learning about their order, orbits, and the role gravity plays in keeping the solar system together.

To demonstrate their understanding, students created Google Slide presentations that showcased their knowledge of planetary order and orbit, gravity’s influence on celestial movement, and the impact of Earth’s rotation and revolution. These presentations allowed students to creatively communicate their learning while building digital literacy and presentation skills. The unit encouraged students to think critically about the systems that govern our place in space and how they affect life on Earth.

Level 6 Science – Natural Hazards and Disaster Solutions

In Level 6, students have been investigating natural hazards and disasters, both in Australia and around the world. They explored how events such as bushfires, floods, cyclones, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur, and examined the wide-ranging impacts these disasters can have on humans, the environment, infrastructure, and the economy.

Through case studies and collaborative discussions, students considered both the positive and negative consequences of natural disasters. For example, how they can lead to community resilience and innovation, while also causing destruction and displacement. They analysed how different surfaces and environments respond to these events and how science and engineering can help reduce their impact.

As part of their learning task, students designed their own natural disaster solutions, developing plans for environments that could better withstand or recover from these events. Their designs included features aimed at reducing damage, improving safety, and supporting sustainable recovery. This unit encouraged students to think critically and creatively about how science can be used to solve real-world problems and protect communities.