Science

End of Semester Science Update  

It has been a fantastic and engaging few weeks in Junior Science, with students across all year levels demonstrating curiosity, creativity and a growing confidence in their scientific thinking. 

Prep students concluded their unit on Investigating Materials (Chemical Sciences), where they explored how objects are made from materials with different observable properties and how these properties influence their use. 

A highlight of the unit was the creation of their wonderfully imaginative hat designs. Through this hands-on task, students investigated materials by observing, comparing and testing how they respond to different conditions. They also practised sharing their observations and ideas, building their skills as young inquirers and thinkers 

In Year 1, students investigated how materials change, with a focus on how heating and cooling can cause reversible and irreversible changes. Using familiar food items such as chocolate and popcorn, students explored how materials can transform under different conditions. 

The much-loved spaghetti tower challenge provided an opportunity for students to apply their understanding in a practical way, encouraging teamwork, creativity and problem-solving as they designed and built their structures. 

Year 2 students explored the concept of forces as part of the Physical Sciences strand and their classroom inquiry into “How the World Works.” They investigated how pushes and pulls affect movement, the difference between contact and non-contact forces, and how magnetism and buoyancy influence objects.  

Students participated in a range of hands-on investigations, applying their understanding through practical challenges. The boat-building task was a definite highlight, where students designed and tested objects that float, while explaining the scientific concepts behind their designs using appropriate vocabulary.  

In Year 3, students explored Food Chains and Habitats within the Biological Sciences strand, developing an understanding that living things depend on each other and their environment for survival.  

As part of their learning task, students created detailed food chain posters based on a habitat of their choice. They identified producers, consumers, decomposers and detritivores, and demonstrated how energy flows through ecosystems. This task allowed students to apply their knowledge creatively while clearly communicating their understanding of the connections between living things.  

Across all year levels, it has been wonderful to see students actively participating in investigations, asking thoughtful questions, and confidently sharing their scientific ideas. We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and engagement shown by our young scientists!