Specialist News

STEM - TERM 4

 Throughout all areas of the school, STEM this term has been focussed on the Biological Sciences, in other words we are learning about Living Things, Once Living and Not Living. We have been looking at the needs and habitats of Living Things and the many diverse Biomes of our wonderful planet.

In Foundation (Prep) over two lessons, the preps designed and created their own perfect zoo. A place for habitats and homes for many different animals.

In Grade 1 and 2 for  Term 2, the students looked at life cycles and made rotating paper plate life cycles after researching facts about their animal. They also designed and build some living things (both real and not real). Apologies for the small number of photos, the students love to take their work home and there is often limited time in the class session to photograph all the work.

In Grade 3 and 4 we started the term by completing our Sphero programming and design unit with a sphero bumper car rally race. Congratulations to Billy, Cruz and Anniruddha of 34B who were the overall victors in the Grand final.

We then chose a living thing and completed some research on it.

Finally the grade 5-6s have been working on the technology components of STEM by creating some coding using code.org (I have included some Parent information again on this at the end of my post) and using video to make mini films about the biomes. Here are some of the models of the Biomes that were created for the films as well as some of the 'rooms' that were created last Term for our power circuit work.

As always, If you ever have any questions or would like to contact me - the easiest way is to drop me an email at stephen.lytton@education.vic.gov.au 

STEM Donations

The STEM room is still in need of cardboard tubes (from paper towel), bottle caps and small cardboard boxes as our supplies are dangerously low. f you could collect any you use over the next few week, or even during the school holidays and donate them to the school - both myself and the students will be very happy.

These items can be: -

• dropped off outside the STEM room (portables 1+2), opposite the Theircare building
•  placed in the red tub just inside the doors to the school library 
• Left at the school office for Stephen Lytton
• sent to STEM with your child.

Thank you,  Stephen Lytton STEM Specialist

CODE.ORG

In my class, your student is learning computer science on Code.org, a fun, creative platform for learning computer science and basic coding to create interactive animations, games, or apps. Your interest in what your child is learning is critical, and Code.org makes it easy to stay involved.

Step 1 - Encourage your child, show interest in computer science

One of the best ways is to ask your child to explain what they’re learning and show you a project they are proud of, see details. Or watch one of these videos together.

Step 2 - Get your child set up to use Code.org at home

Our class uses secret words or secret pictures to sign in. To have your student sign in to Code.org at home, do the following:

1. Go to code.org and have your child enter their section code and click on their name
2. Type in their secret words or click on their secret picture and then click 'Sign in'
3. If your student does not remember their password, please email me and I will provide it

At the top of their homepage, your student can continue the course they are doing with their classroom at school. They can also create their own games or artwork in the Project Gallery or check out code.org/athome for ideas for things to work on at home.

Step 3 - Connect your email to your student's account

Keep up to date with what your student is working on and receive updates from Code.org. Have your child sign in to Code.org and then enter your email in Account Settings.

Code.org's commitment to student privacy

Code.org assigns utmost importance to student safety and security. As a not-for-profit organization, they are transparent about the limited data they collect and how they use it. They do not sell data or exploit it for financial gain. They do not sell ads. Code.org has signed the Student Privacy Pledge and their privacy practices are highly rated by Common Sense Media. You can find further details by viewing Code.org's Privacy Policy.

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Warm greetings from Visual Arts!

Visual Art has begun Term 4 with colour, creativity, and excitement! Students across the school have enthusiastically returned to the art room, eager to explore new techniques, experiment with materials, and express their unique ideas. It has been wonderful to see so much imagination, confidence, and artistic growth already on display. We look forward to another fantastic term filled with creativity, discovery, and many beautiful artworks to share with our school community. 

Abstract Self Portraits by Preps

Art Skill: Drawing

Art Elements: Line and Form

Art Principles: Balance and Scale

Snow people by 1/2s

A study of Bird’s Eye View

Art Skills: Drawing and Collage

Art Element: Shape and Space

Art Principles: Balance and Scale

Baby in Blankets by 1/2s

Inspired by Gustav Klimt’s ‘Baby’

Artist studied: Gustav Klimt

Art Skill: Drawing

Art Elements: Line, Shape and Colour

Art Principles: Patterns and Harmony

These are snippets of their 'Baby in Blankets' that students are currently completing!

Screaming Faces by 3/4s

Step-by-step art lesson for drawing a screaming face and using blow painting to create hair standing on end

Art Skills: Drawing and Painting

Art Elements: Line and Form

Art Principles: Balance, Scale and Unity

Tree of Life by 3/4s

Inspired by Gustav Klimt’s ‘Tree of Life - Stoclet Frieze’

Artist Studied: Gustav Klimt

Art Skill: Drawing

Art Elements: Line, Form and Shape

Art Principles: Patterns, Scale and Unity

These are snippets of their 'Tree of Life' that they are currently working on.

T-Shirt Designs by Grade 5s

Planning and Designing A T-Shirt that Best Describes Themselves

Art Elements: Line, Form and Space

Art Principles: Unity

Here are examples of t-shirt designs currently in progress. 

Skateboard Designs by Grade 6s

Planning and Designing A Skateboard Deck that Best Describes Themselves

All Art Elements

Art Principles: Scale and Unity

These are examples of skateboards currently in progress.

As always, If you ever have any questions or would like to contact me - the easiest way is to drop me an email at denise.diamantopoulos@education.vic.gov.au.

Denise Diamantopoulos, Visual Arts Specialist