SPECIALIST 

SPECIALIST UPDATE | STEM

In STEM this week, Preps have been learning all about how animals thrive in their homes. We have explored the difference between living and non-livings things and the basic needs of pets. We will spend the rest of the unit investigating all the ways we use water and why we need it to survive. Then we will look at animals features and different animal groups. Near the end of the term we will explore different animal homes, and how they have adapted to live in them. 

Year 1's are starting to explore a unit all about weather. We will be learning about the different symbols used to represent weather and how we can find out the forecast. We will be exploring information about clouds, the water cycle, seasons and why animals hibernate and migrate. We will be showing our learning by doing lots of experiments and hands-on materials. 

In Year 2, students are beginning their unit called Australian Bush Tucker. This unit looks at how plants and animals are grown for food, clothing and shelter and how we choose food to be healthy. Students have enjoyed watching how wheat is harvested and sheep are sheared. Check out our photos of our burgers, outfits and shelters and whether items 

Year 3’s have started exploring the online digital space – Delightex. They will spend the term creating their ‘Ultimate Classroom’. Each week will learn different skills like adding an environment and objects. We will follow the design process of plan, do and reflect to create our projects. Near the end of the term we will evaluate and share our creations and view them by using devices such as, VR goggles and Merge Cubes.

In Year 4, students are learning about the Water Cycle. This is an exciting unit with lots of experiments! Students have already completed a frozen water bottle vs room temperature water bottle experiment about condensation! It was very cold! They are looking forward to learning more about the water cycle as the unit progresses. 

In Year 5, students are exploring a unit called Creative Products. They will be learning about influential Australians who have influenced different areas of fashion, food and architecture. They will also be looking at ethical and sustainable considerations when designing and creating different tasks. Last week, they investigated Carmen's museli bars and created their own type of bar that would fit with the Carmen's ethos, please see some photos below. 

In Year 6, students are undertaking a unit called Light Show. They are learning all about how light travels in straight lines and reflects off surfaces. This science unit has a lot of hands-on experiments and designing tasks to fix a problem to do with light. Last week, students particularly enjoyed finding out about how to judge the distance of the best shadow.