From the 3/4 Classrooms

Water and the Environment Incursion

As part of their science learning, the Year 3 and 4 students participated in a hands-on "Mad About Science" incursion focused on the properties and importance of water. Across a dynamic 90-minute session, students rotated through a range of engaging experiments and demonstrations designed to deepen their understanding of water's unique characteristics.

Water Cycle Model - Students worked in small groups to create and observe a working model of the water cycle. This interactive setup allowed them to visualise key processes such as evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Throughout the session, they observed changes in the model and discussed how the water cycle functions in the natural world.

Capillary Action Exploration - In a group investigation, students explored the concept of capillary action. Using paper towels, coloured water, and transparent cups, they observed how water moves upward against gravity, mimicking how plants draw water through their roots and stems.

Sugar Landscape Water Flow - Each student used pipettes to carefully drip water onto a sugar cube landscape. This experiment showed how water flows across different surfaces and helped students understand erosion and absorption in a fun, hands-on way.

Simulated Oil Spill Clean-up - Students took on the role of environmental scientists as they worked to clean up a simulated oil spill using polymer powder. This experience highlighted the challenges of cleaning polluted water and introduced them to real-world environmental science techniques.

Water Pollution Testing - Using a special indicator solution, students tested different water samples to check for pollution by seeing if they were acidic or basic. 

Water Properties Demonstration - A live demonstration introduced students to the fascinating properties of water, including surface tension, cohesion, and transparency. These concepts were brought to life through simple but effective visual experiments.

Surface Tension Challenge - To wrap up the session, students were given a fun and tricky challenge: to float a paperclip on the surface of water. This task required patience, fine motor skills, and an understanding of surface tension—a perfect way to apply what they'd learned.

This hands-on science incursion not only enriched the students’ knowledge about water but also sparked curiosity, teamwork, and developed a deeper understanding and appreciation of its importance.