Curriculum

Cameron Azer | Assistant Principal Image: Grade 5 Classroom Library

John Monash Science School Outreach Program

Last Wednesday a group of Grade 6 students participated in the John Monash School Outreach Program at Monash University. The school was represented by 2 groups, a Mini Mathematics Inquiry group and a Little Scientist group. The students who participated were:

Lachlan Alexander
Jamie Ward
Isaac Wright-Duncan
Ilan Koldun
Piper Murray
Zoe Armstrong
Orlando Edwards

The program allows students the opportunity to explore and be exposed to a range of Science and Mathematical skills in a university learning space. Each group was assigned a dedicated Year 10 or 11 students from the John Monash Science School to assist with their inquiry and teach them through any possible misconceptions. Firstly, the science group discussed the concept of flight, gravity and thrust because they were provided with a 'Egg Drop Challenge'. Groups had to design a parachute using only certain materials so that the egg would not crack when being dropped from the 2nd level of the building. Unfortunately, the egg did crack but our group of students came up with a very clever design.

The Mini Mathematicians were provided with a difficult code breaker activity which involved a random sets of numbers and letters. Even though the group initially had their struggles investigating into different methods of how to break the code, the persisted and solved the problem as a team.

"I really enjoyed having the opportunity to design our model, but then to test it out and put it into practice!" - Isaac Wright-Duncan (Little Scientist Group)

"I enjoyed applying my math knowledge to a different task that I haven't really done before, even though it was tricky I still enjoyed it!" - Piper Murray (Mini Mathematics Group)

The students have 3 more sessions at Monash University and we cannot wait to see what else they willinquire into!

Education Week 2024

This year, Education Week runs from Monday 13 May to Friday 17 May. The theme, Spotlight on STEM, celebrates the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in our everyday lives, in the classroom and beyond.

For parents/carers, learn more about encouraging your child with STEM skills. The following external websites may also help provide for further ideas:

Maths video resources for young children can be accessed through the Mathscots animation series and Everyday Maths animations.

To find out more about Education Week 2024, visit www.vic.gov.au/education-week.