Year Three

Our Year Three scientists have just wrapped up a Science unit exploring Heat Energy. They investigated how heat is generated, how it travels, and how we measure it.

The students discovered how our bodies detect temperature using microscopic skin receptors called thermoreceptors. They went on a "heat hunt" to classify natural heat sources (like the Sun) and human-made ones (like friction and electricity).

We then turned our attention to measuring the temperature of everything imaginable inside and outside the classroom using thermometers. The students got to experience infrared thermometers as well as tube thermometers. We measured the temperature of different bowls of water as well as ourselves and objects in our classroom environment.

We conducted experiments where students could watch heat transfer in action and learnt that heat always moves from hotter objects to colder ones. We used spoons of different materials to investigate what makes a good conductor of heat.

Through controlled experiments with warm water, students tested which materials let heat pass through easily (conductors, like metal) and which ones block it (insulators, like cotton wool). We learnt about what makes a fair test and why it’s important that we only change one variable at a time.

To finish the unit, students were tasked to melt an ice cube as quickly as possible. It was such a fun way for students to demonstrate their knowledge and collaborate with their peers.

You can keep this learning going at home! Discuss conductors of heat in the kitchen, and insulators while rugging up to go outside in wintery Melbourne weather! You might even want to set up an experiment at home together and see how quickly (or slowly) you can melt an ice cube!

A huge well done to our Year Threes for showing incredible curiosity and rigorous scientific thinking throughout this unit!