What's happening in the classroom
Foundation
Prep students recently enjoyed an exciting excursion to TwistED Science in Echuca! We travelled by bus and began our visit by learning about mealworms and their life cycle, getting up close and discovering how they grow and change through each stage.
We then had the opportunity to self-direct our learning as we explored the many hands-on exhibits throughout the science centre. Students loved experimenting, investigating, and discovering new things as they moved from one activity to the next. It was a fantastic day filled with curiosity, learning, and plenty of fun!
Grade 1
Our Little Legends in Grade 1 had an unforgettable day at Mansfield Zoo as part of our Science unit on animals and living things.
After learning about different animals, their features, habitats and basic needs, the students were very excited to put their learning into action and see some amazing animals up close. The day was filled with plenty of wonder, curiosity and excitement as we explored the zoo and observed animals in their habitats.
The Little Legends loved spotting their favourite animals, watching how they moved and behaved, and sharing interesting facts with their friends. It was fantastic to see students making connections between what we have been learning in the classroom and what they could see happening right in front of them.
What a wonderful day of hands-on learning, adventure and animal encounters for our Little Legends! 🦁
Grade 2
In Week 7, we had a fantastic day out learning at the Mansfield Zoo. We made great connections to our science and humanities learning living things and survival, as well as our Religion unit on God's Creation. It is always so much fun getting up close to some animals we don't normally see in our own homes, such as white lions. We even got to check out the newest member to the zoo - a zebra!
Grade 2 students have been working hard in class as we finish off our learning units for Term 3. The start of Spring has brought us lots of sunshine for playtime with friends, and we have even been able to enjoy some Vitamin D during class. We know how important it is to read aloud daily, so we have been buddy reading our InitiaLit texts each morning. This helps our reading fluency skills. The teachers have been so impressed by the students keeping up with home reading and those filling in their diaries for us to check. Keep it up next term! Term 4 diaries will be sent home in Week 1 Term 4.
Grade 3
Grade 3 students all attended the Mad Science incursion last week. We learnt about States of Matter - Solids, Liquids, Gases. Students explored making foam, bubbles and gases through changing the temperature and chemical reactions. We found out that Carbon Dioxide puts out a flame. We had so much fun!!!
Grade 4
Our Grade 4 students recently enjoyed participating in Mad About Science: The Matter of Matter. On Thursday 3rd September we had fun exploring a range of hands-on investigations and exciting experiments, students explored the three states of matter: solids, liquids and gases. They learned about the properties of different materials, observed physical changes, and discovered how matter can change from one state to another. We were able to see changes between liquids, solids and gases through our very own mini experiments.
The session sparked curiosity and encouraged our students to think like scientists as they made predictions, observations and discussed their findings. It was a fun and engaging way to bring Chemical Sciences to life in the classroom!
Grade 5
Grade 5 have been very busy over the last few weeks learning all about states of matter in their science lessons. Students have been investigating what properties make something a liquid, solid or gas, and how the particles are arranged in each state allowing them to move. Students were intrigued to conduct a balloon experiment and visually see how gas has mass.
This week students completed a very fun experiment making oobleck to observe changes in viscosity, known as a non-newtonian fluid. It was a bit messy but highly engaging hands-on learning. We can't wait for next week's exciting experiment!
Grade 6
Our Grade 6 students had a wonderful opportunity to attend a Careers Morning arranged by Tommorrow Today, where they rotated through a variety of different occupations and listened to guest speakers share insights into their careers. The morning provided students with an exciting opportunity to learn about the skills, qualifications and experiences involved in different professions.
Students were encouraged to ask questions and participate in hands-on activities, giving them a practical insight into what each role involves. Some of the guest speakers included paramedics, personal trainers, veterinarians, and police officers. It was fantastic to see our students engaged, curious and enthusiastic as they explored the many different career pathways available to them.
Melbourne Star Cricket
With cricket season about to begin, this week St Joseph's was proud to welcome a visit from the Melbourne Star's. Students in grades 4-6 heard from two cricketers from the female side, and what their training and match day preparation typically looks like. Students then had the opportunity to ask their own well thought out questions before heading to the oval to participate in a series of training and practice drills centered around aim, throwing and catching skills.
Students then lined up for an autograph opportunity before farewelling the players. A fabulous morning was had by all, and we certainly have many budding young cricketers in our midst!
