STSS Term 4 Student Learning Update

Foundation – Year 2

Our junior students have continued learning how to describe and compare materials based on their properties, such as whether they are hard, soft, rough, smooth, flexible or stiff. Recently, students participated in hands-on experiments to investigate whether different materials were waterproof or absorbent. They also tested the strength of materials such as tissue, paper and cardboard by adding weight using a cup of marbles. Throughout these investigations, students made predictions, recorded observations, compared results and discussed their findings. 

Students are currently applying what they have learnt in a Design and Technologies project, where they are planning, creating and will test a shelter to see whether it is waterproof and provides suitable protection.

Year 3 – Year 4

Our middle years students have continued exploring the three states of matter: solids, liquids and gases. They have investigated how these states differ and how materials can be classified according to their properties. Recently, students participated in an experiment to compare different liquids, including their viscosity (thickness) and how they behave when heat is removed and they begin to freeze. Students used their scientific skills to make predictions, observe changes and discuss their findings.

In Digital Technologies, students have been exploring the importance of online safety and protecting their personal information. They have learnt about the risks of sharing information online, the importance of privacy settings and strategies for making safe and responsible choices when using digital technologies.

Year 5 

Our Year 5 students have been learning about matter and how everything that has mass and takes up space can be classified as a solid, liquid or gas. They have explored how tiny particles are arranged and move differently in each state of matter. Recently, students investigated the properties and viscosity of different liquids, using their scientific skills to predict, observe, compare and record how different liquids flow.

In Design and Technologies, students have been working through the design process to plan and construct model bridges. They have considered different materials and design ideas, working collaboratively to create bridges that will be tested and evaluated against agreed criteria, including movement and strength.

Year 6

Our Year 6 students have been investigating electricity and electrical circuits. They have been learning conductors and insulators and what materials can be used within a circuit to ensure a complete flow of electricity. They have used this knowledge to practice building electrical circuits.

In Design and Technologies, students are working through the design process to plan and construct a toy or model that must incorporate a simple electrical circuit. They have begun considering the sustainability of materials and their design ideas and will work collaboratively to create these. Once complete, they will test and evaluate their designs against agreed criteria, including the successful flow of electricity through their design.

We look forward to continuing to engage the curious minds of our students in the coming weeks.

Kind regards,

Chantel Prince on behalf of the STSS Team

Contact Us

specialist@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au (all teachers) or