Science
This term, it’s been fantastic to see every class across the school diving into physical science. Whether it was exploring how things move, experimenting with different types of energy, or getting hands-on with materials, students have been engaged and full of questions. It’s been a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about the world around them—and to have a lot of fun along the way!
Prep:
Throughout the rest of this term, our Prep students worked with the MTinys to explore foundational STEM concepts through playful, hands-on learning experiences. These sessions sparked curiosity and have built early skills in technology, problem-solving, and collaboration. From experimenting with simple coding tools to engaging in creative design challenges, the Preps are developed confidence as digital learners. Working with the MTinys helped students gain exposure to age-appropriate tech and STEM activities in a fun and nurturing setting. It’s inspiring to see our youngest learners grow together as future-ready thinkers.
Level 1:
As part of the Physical Science unit, Level One students have enjoyed participating with hands-on, shared experiences of things that produce light and sound. They explored how vibrations cause sound, which can be sensed, sound travelling through materials and how light is needed to see things. To finish off our unit of work, students designed and made their own musical instrument. They were able to explain how their instrument produces sound and describe the intensity of the sound.
Level 2:
our Level 2 students explored engineering and simple machines using LEGO Spike Essential kits. Through hands-on exploration of concepts like push and pull, ramps, levers, pulleys, wheels, and axles, students developed their understanding of force and motion in a fun and interactive way. By designing and coding their own moving models, they strengthened their STEM knowledge while building critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills. The students have loved working with these kids and there has been so much excitement in the classroom.
Level 3:
Throughout the rest of this term, our Level 3 students engaged in a fascinating STEM unit using Micro:bits to investigate temperature and heat transfer. Through a series of hands-on experiments, they measured temperature changes over time and explored the how temperatures would be different for conductors and insulators. By coding their Micro:bits to collect and show data, students deepened their understanding of thermal energy and heat transfer while developing new digital literacy and scientific inquiry skills. This immersive experience not only strengthened their grasp of physical science concepts but also empowered them as confident, tech-savvy learners.
Level 4:
Throughout the rest of this term, our Level 4 students used Spheros to investigate the effects of friction on motion. Through a series of coding challenges and surface-based experiments, they observed how different materials influenced the speed and movement of their Spheros. By collecting and analysing data, students developed a deeper understanding of how friction can either resist or assist motion. This hands-on approach to science, combined with digital technology, helped strengthen their inquiry skills and introduced them to real-world applications of physics in a fun and engaging way.
Level 5:
Throughout the rest of this term, Level 5 students explored light and shadow using Tinkercad as a digital design tool. Through interactive 3D modelling, they examined how light behaves investigating reflection, refraction, and the differences between natural and artificial light sources. Students also designed virtual sundials, deepening their understanding of how light and shadow can be used to measure time. These activities combined scientific inquiry with digital creativity, helping students build both scientific knowledge and technology skills in a fun, hands-on way.
Level 6:
Earlier this term, our Level 6 students explored the fundamentals of electrical circuits using Tinkercad’s virtual electronics platform. Through guided design challenges, they built and tested circuits incorporating components such as batteries, switches, LEDs, and resistors. Students investigated how electricity flows, how circuits can be controlled, and how different configurations affect performance. This digital environment allowed them to experiment safely and creatively, reinforcing their understanding of electrical systems. The experience also encouraged independent thinking and sparked curiosity about how technology powers the world around us.
Spotlight on Achievement:
Joseph F (3E), with the help of his brother Caleb F (5K) used his KiwiCo STEM set to create his own Rocket Blaster. Watch the video to see how he did it!
Have you been doing any STEM activities at home? We would love to hear about it and share it with the school community. If you send Mr. Simpson an email through Compass with a description of the acitvities as well as photos/videos, we can post it in the next newsletter to share with everyone!