Science News........

Grade 3 

Students have been learning about the ways heat transfers. This term we are investigating what conductors and insulators are and what effect they have on heat travel. 

In this experiment students explored what material worked as the best insulator to stop the ice from melting. We need to know this so we can design and build our own Esky next lesson. 

Grade 5 

Grade 5 students have begun learning about the ways we can manipulate light. Their first lesson investigated how materials can be classified as transparent, translucent and opaque. 

They will further build upon this learning to create some replicated stained-glass windows. Be sure to keep your eye out for them on display in the science room. 

Grade 6 

Students have been finalising their studies on matter.  In their last lesson, the Grade 6s made some carbon dioxide! A reversible matter that is formed from a chemical reaction between vinegar and bicarbonate soda. We investigated the effects more vinegar or more bicarbonate soda to the suggested ratio had on our balloon inflation.  Try this experiment at home! All you need is some vinegar, bicarbonate soda, a soft drink bottle and a balloon.  

Grade 2 

Students have been learning about how materials can be changed. They explored how objects can be bent, twisted and squashed to alter their shape. To test this, they designed and built bridges using pipe cleaners and playdough. Their challenge was to make a bridge strong enough to hold several marbles. 

Students worked hard to test and improve their designs as they went. They discovered that different ways of shaping materials can make structures stronger or weaker.  

Grade 1 

We experimented with cornflour and water to investigate how the properties of a mixture can depend on the amount of substance it contains.  

 Calling all creative kids — it’s time to unleash your inner Water Hero! 

We'd love as many of our young scientists to take part in the 2026 National Water Week poster competition. This year’s theme is Water Heroes Make Every Drop Count, and we can’t wait to see your imaginative, colourful and inspiring creations. 

You need to design and upload a poster that celebrates this year’s theme. Entries close 5pm, Friday 11 September, so get those pencils, paints and ideas flowing.  You can enter with your parent at home through the website: Coliban Water’s 2026 National Water Week Competition page or drop of your poster with your name, age and class into the Science Room for submission.