STEM News
In Term 4 students are bringing together their coding and tech learning to Earth Science, focusing on Earth’s dynamic processes and human impacts on the environment.
Foundation students are exploringhow day and night affect animals and plants. The will design shelters for different seasons in Minecraft.
Year 1/2 students are examining Earth's natural features and creating a presentation using Scratch Jr. They will also explore the changing seasons, the moon's phases, and create their own star viewers for a closer look at the night sky.
Year 3/4 students are investigating natural processes, like weathering, erosion, and flooding, examining how these shape our planet’s surface. They are also exploring human impacts on landscapes in Minecraft, discovering the effects of deforestation, farming, and construction.
Year 5/6 students are researching geological events and created interactive posters using the software, Makey Makey, bringing their findings to life with engaging presentations. They will then explore community responses to extreme weather events by creating a world in Minecraft that simulates earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
It has been an exciting year in STEM! As the holidays approach, here are a few simple STEM activities to try at home using easily accessible items:
- Homemade Lava Lamp: Fill a clear bottle with water, add a few drops of food colouring, and top it with vegetable oil. Watch as the oil and water separate, and then add a fizzing tablet to create an exciting reaction!
- DIY Catapult: Use a plastic spoon, a few craft sticks, and rubber bands to create a simple catapult. Test how far you can launch small objects and experiment with different designs.
- Egg Drop Challenge: Using materials like cardboard, straws, and tape, design a protective structure to keep a raw egg safe from a fall. Test your design by dropping it from a height!
- Rainbow in a Jar: Layer different liquids like honey, dish soap, water, vegetable oil, and rubbing alcohol in a clear jar to create a colourful rainbow effect.