STEAM Update

Dimple Bhardwaj: Learning Specialist STEAM

Hi Hillsmeade,

Some EARTHQUAKE NEWS from 6E:

On the 10th of November, our class participated in making structures out of toothpicks and marshmallows. We watched a video on earthquakes and the destruction they do. We searched Melbourne's most recent earthquake to see what number it was. This was recorded as a 5.8 on the Richter scale. We learnt that they use a seismograph to measure the earthquakes. Turns out we had one we did not even know about that measured 2.9 on the seismograph but this was so low that we didn’t feel it.

As a group activity we were given some toothpicks and marshmallows and started building a construction. At the start with my table group, Erin summer And Zahra we thought of making a square base pyramid. We decided on making more support and it turned into sort of a dome. When Miss Sheers shook the table (which resembled an earthquake) I was happy that ours was sturdy and didn’t break. It was fun, and I enjoyed the lesson.

-C.J Beamish 6E

For science in year 6 we are learning about earthquakes and what it is capable of. There are three types. A divergent quack occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other. When two plates come together, it is known as a convergent. A transform earthquake is when two plates slide against each other.

In class we used marshmallows and toothpicks. With the two items are challenge was to construct/build a stable construction that could with stand the table shaking acting like an earthquake it had wide and two toothpicks long. Our table group didn’t quite fit the criteria of having two toothpicks width and three length but it was a good experience.

Fact: an earthquake can kill just over 100,000 people a year.

-Zahra Husseini 6E

For science this week Year 6 students were looking at Earthquakes. I love science and enjoy learning about natural disasters. In groups we had to create a construction of our choice.

My team made a squared based pyramid. The requirements were we have to have three toothpicks width and two toothpick height. My group worked really well together and we got points for having the sturdiest construction.

-Blake Redmond 6E