Science

In the Science room...

Grade 5/6 

The Grade 5/6 students have continued to compare the conditions of Earth to those of another planet in our solar system. Students learned that each planet tilts on an axis, some by only a small degree and others are almost upside-down (were looking at you Venus!). They considered how fast each planet spins and how this affects both the surface temperatures of a planet and their day/night cycle. Students observed the surface features of their project planets and made a model of what they learned. 

Grade 3/4 

Grade 3/4 students are nearing the end of their geology unit for this Term. Last week, they used an online mineral database to order and categorise a variety of rocks into their types:

• Igneous
• Sedimentary

• Metamorphic.

  This week students completed a simulation mining operation by digging for minerals with a toothpick and brush. The mess created in this experiment, highlighted some of the environmental challenges presented by mining activities and the consideration that must be taken after mining operations have commenced.

Grade 2

Students practiced upcycling this week, turning materials that may have ended up in landfill, into new and repurposed products. Students created a range of items including jewellery, bags, toys, and organisers. Students practiced sorting materials into plastics, metals, cardboards, organics (wood), and 'other' during the pack up phase of the lesson. By the end of next week every student should have a picture of their plan and product available in their Snapper Specialist portfolios (using the QR code).

Grade 1 

This week Grade 1 students explored constellations and the phases of the moon through the lenses of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and histories. Students heard how our First Nations people used constellations to understand the changing seasons and to signify the types of food available, the behaviour of animals, and changes in the upcoming weather. Students also learned about the names of the key moon phases each month and how to tell if the moon is waxing or waning.

Preps 

The Prep students have been demonstrating their knowledge of the four seasons; Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. Students used their imagination skills to travel to each season and experience what the weather is like, what the animals are doing, and their choice of clothing depending on the season. Students then returned to the science room and drew an image from each season. These drawings along with some general information on our Term 1 unit will be on display soon in the Boorai.

In the Garden

Our sun flowers are blooming and although our tomato plants haven't ripened like we imagined, there are still a few orange/red ones to be seen. Perhaps animals have been too tempted, and they have been eaten faster than they can ripen!

And remember mighty scientists; look closely, ask freely, and seek answers to Earth's cool and crazy wonders! 

Mrs Taylor