Science Education
Julie Garbutt: jgarbutt@srprestonwest.catholic.edu.au
St Raphael's School
Foundation
Foundation students are learning about living things. Students explored what living things need to survive and why we water plants. Students enjoyed watering plants outside and observing where the water goes.
Year 1/2
In term 2, Year 1/2 students are learning how and why substances can be combined. In weeks 2 and 3, students made different mixtures, observing and noting their texture and appearance. Students made a mixture using solids and also a slimy mixture. Students also discussed the purpose of the different mixtures.
Year 3/4
In term 2, Year 3/4 students are learning that different living things have different life cycles and depend on each other and the environment to survive.
In week 2, students planned an investigation into whether light affects the germination of eucalyptus seeds. The following week, Year 4 students set up the investigations on behalf of the class as Year 3's were doing NAPLAN.
Year 5/6
Students are learning that energy from a variety of sources can be used to generate electricity. Over the last two weeks, students have been planning, building, testing their water wheel. In week 3, students conducted their investigation into what happens to the time taken to lift the small weight, when we change the number of blades. The investigation was a highlight and students noted some surprising results that contrasted with their predictions.
