Science

Welcome back to Term 3! 

After such a busy and exciting first semester of learning, we look forward to another exciting semester ahead in Science!

Foundation - Bubbles

Years 1 & 2 - Optical Illusions

Years 3 & 4 - Plants

Years 5 & 6 - Microorganism

Foundation - Bubbles

During Term 2, Foundation students worked on movement and had the opportunity to make observations of movement in their world. They tested the way that things moved based on how we apply forces such as push and pull. We also looked at how things rolled or slid downhill and how different materials affect the movement of things. 

In Term 3 we will be focusing on bubbles as our core theme for science. Students will be making bubbles and while doing so, we will be experimenting with different wands and materials used to make bubbles. We will also observe how different bubble mixtures affect the bubbles we produce. Towards the end of the term we will also be looking at how to manipulate bubbles to create different effects.

Years 1 & 2: Optical Illusions

Last term, students learnt about the different parts of the ear and their functions. They learnt how sound travels in waves by observing how the vibrations travel through different materials.

This term during our Optical Illusions unit, students will be learning about the eye, and how visual stimuli are processed by our brain. They will be introduced to a variety of optical illusions. Learning will centre around the biological parts of the eye and how light interacts with each part. This will develop students' understanding of how visual information is processed by the brain, and how the brain accommodates for discrepancies in visual stimuli, via experimentation and careful observation.

Years 3 & 4: Plants

In Term 2, students learnt about the effects of the Sun on the Earth through a range of hands-on experiments. They gained an understanding of the impact of the Earth’s orbit, rotation and tilt to cause day and night, seasons and shadows, including solar and lunar eclipses. 

This term during the study of plants, the Years 3 and 4 will primarily be focusing on the dispersion of seeds, pollination and germination process. Students will look at how fruit is used to scatter seeds as well as other methods of seed dispersal. They will also be looking at what is needed for a seed to begin growing and develop into a mature plant.

Years 5 & 6: Microorganisms

Last term, students continued to analyse the differences between physical and chemical changes, with a deeper focus on how a chemical change can occur. They continued to link experiments to real life applications and uses. The ‘fair test’ concept was always applied to aid with the evaluation of results.

This term, students will study microorganisms, predominantly through the use of bread. The focus will be on the effects of yeast and mould, and their role in developing and decomposing bread. Students will learn about the properties of yeast, and how it reacts with sugar to produce carbon dioxide, which causes the bread to rise. They will be exposed to the concept of how mould can be beneficial, such its role in developing penicillin.