S.T.E.A.M.

It has been a fabulous fortnight in S.T.E.A.M. over the last two weeks with lots of space exploration happening.

In week 3 the Preps, Grade Ones and Grade Twos looked at the phases of the Moon and the different shapes that we see made by the way the Moon is illuminated throughout the cycle. They then got creative and made models of the eight phases of the Moon using playdough. In week 4 the Preps, Grade Ones and Grade Twos revisited our playworlds story Astro Girl and talked about Astrid’s knowledge of the planets. We looked at the features of the planets such as colour, size and temperature and completed an activity where we put the planets in the correct order using their features as clues.

In week 3 the Grade Threes and Grade Fours looked at the scale of the Solar System and learned that if the Earth was shrunk to the size of a marble that we would need a distance of over 11km to line the planets up to create a scale model. We also completed an experiment to investigate how craters are formed on the Moon. In week 4 the Grade Threes and Grade Fours looked at the phases of the Moon and created Phases of the moon spinners. The Grade Threes were also treated to some pretty special show and tell when Ella brought in an incredible turtle shell and a fish skeleton that she had found. These are on display in the S.T.E.A.M. room if you would like to check them out.

In week 3 the Grade Fives learned about the scale of the Solar System. We looked at this award winning short video about creating a scale model of the Solar System and were astounded by how big it really is. Definitely worth a watch if you have the time. We conducted an experiment about craters on the Moon where we had to drop marbles into layers of flour and cocoa that simulated the Moon’s surface. In week 4 we explored the phases of the Moon and created Moon phase puzzles for our Grade One buddies to play with soon.

Education Week Paper Plane Competition

Calling all ACPS engineers. Don’t forget to create your most impressive paper plane for next Monday’s Paper Plane Competition that will be held during assembly as part of our Education Week celebrations. See the Compass post for more details.

Lego Club: Education Week Lego Masters Challenge

As of next week Lego Club will move from recess to lunchtime to allow our Lego enthusiasts more time to build. Next week will be a special Lego Club session as we will be holding a Lego Masters challenge as part of our Education Week celebrations. There are prizes up for grabs so come and join the fun. Everyone is welcome!

Kate Misra

kate.misra@education.vic.edu.au