Focus on Science
Science Highlights from Term Two
Foundation
Our Foundation students had a fun and hands-on term two in Science! They began by designing their own "little people" and experimented with various materials: nylon, wool, and cotton, to discover which would make the best raincoat. Using pipettes to drop water onto the materials, they carefully observed which fabric kept their little person the driest.
Later in the term, students embraced their inner architects with a "Three Little Pigs" themed challenge! In groups, they built houses using popsicle sticks, straws, or LEGO, focusing on sturdiness. After weeks of preparation, the infamous Big Bad Wolf paid a visit to test their creations. To everyone's excitement, not a single house was blown down!
Grade 1
Our Grade 1 students explored how living things grow and change. They conducted an experiment using celery stalks placed in cups with no water, plain water, and coloured water. After a week, students observed and concluded that plants need water, and that water travels up the stem to nourish the leaves.
They also investigated life cycles, focusing on frogs and butterflies. By comparing these with the human life cycle, students gained a deeper understanding of how living things grow and transform over time.
Grade 2
Our Grade 2 students explored what happens when materials are mixed. They closely examined flour, salt, cream of tartar, oil, food colouring, and water, watching how each ingredient changed when combined. The exciting conclusion? It was playdough!
Students also learned how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have long combined materials to create tools and utensils. Inspired by this, they designed and built their own utensils using natural materials.
Grade 3
Our Grade 3 students explored plant and animal life cycles, and watched as their very own beans grew through each stage. They studied the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers within ecosystems, and used this knowledge to construct their own food chains. To showcase their understanding, students created colourful food chain collages.
Grade 4
Our Grade 4 students focused on the properties of materials and how these influence their use. Through experiments with different types of sports balls, they tested elasticity and learned how this property affects performance. Students then used their new knowledge to design and build toys that incorporated elastic materials.
Grade 5
Our Grade 5 students investigated how environmental conditions affect the survival of living organisms. They researched “extremophiles” - organisms that thrive in extreme environments, and conducted an experiment called “Let It Grow.” Using cotton balls soaked in different types of water (plain, acidic, salty, and organic), they planted radish or cress seeds in Ziplock bags and observed how each environment impacted growth. Some of their mini greenhouses can still be seen on the science room windows—take a look next time you walk past!
Grade 6
Our Grade 6 students took on the role of scientists through a range of practical experiments. They mixed substances to determine whether they created mixtures or suspensions, then attempted to separate them using filters.
They also explored reversible and irreversible changes and discussed how to identify them. A highlight was making slime and testing the best way to prevent rust on nails!
This Semester in Science
This semester, each year level will be shifting their focus to a new area of science.
- Foundation, Grade 2, Grade 4, and Grade 6 will be exploring concepts in Physical Sciences.
- Grade 1, Grade 3, and Grade 5 will be delving into Earth and Space Sciences.
This term we will also be celebrating National Science Week, starting the week of Monday 4 August. Students will participate in a lesson with their classroom teacher based on this year's theme which is ‘Decoding the Universe’.
We have many more exciting lessons and experiments to look forward to this term!
~ Mariah Wylie, Science Teacher