Focus on Science
Fairfield Primary School
What We've Learnt!
Foundation
In Term 2, our Foundation students explored absorbent and non-absorbent materials. They conducted an investigation by creating a paper person and testing three different materials to determine which would make the best raincoat. The Foundation students thoroughly enjoyed using pipettes to carefully drop water onto their characters.
Their favourite lesson by far was based on the story The Three Little Pigs. After listening to the classic tale, students discussed which house was the strongest and why, using their knowledge of material properties to support their ideas. They then practised their teamwork skills by working together to build their own houses using either sticks (popsicle sticks) or straw (drinking straws). The unit culminated in a final challenge where their houses were put to the test when the Big Bad Wolf came to visit, looking very hungry!
Grade 1
In Term 2, our Grade 1 students investigated the external features of plants and animals that help them survive. They completed a range of activities, including labelling diagrams and matching features to their functions. One of their favourite lessons focused on how plants obtain water. Over two weeks, students conducted an experiment to discover how water travels through plants, and observed this change by using a cut flower and coloured water.
Grade 2
In Term 2, our Grade 2 students explored how materials can be physically changed. They tested a variety of objects made from different materials to investigate whether they could be bent, twisted or stretched. To conclude their learning, students designed their own characters and used polymer clay to bring them to life, applying their understanding of how materials can be physically changed.
Grade 3
In Term 2, our Grade 3 students investigated how food chains represent feeding relationships within habitats and demonstrate the flow of energy from producers to consumers and decomposers. After learning about decomposers, students conducted an experiment to observe firsthand how food scraps break down over time and discussed why this process is such an important part of a healthy ecosystem. To finish the unit, students created colourful food chain artworks showcasing their understanding.
Grade 4
In Term 2, our Grade 4 students explore the properties of materials and how these properties influence their uses. A favourite lesson was Bouncing Balls, where students planned and conducted an investigation to determine which type of sports ball had the greatest elasticity. To conclude their Chemical Science unit, students made oobleck and discovered that some substances do not behave like typical solids, liquids, or gases, demonstrating the fascinating properties of non-Newtonian fluids.
Grade 5
In Term 2, our Grade 5 students investigated how the physical conditions of an environment affect the survival of living things. One of their favourite lessons was Let It Grow, where students explored how different types of water (or water quality) affect plant growth. Students chose either cress or radish seeds and placed them on cotton balls soaked in four different types of water: plain water, organic water (mashed banana), salt water and acidic water (vinegar). Over the following weeks, they observed which seeds sprouted and drew conclusions based on their results.
Grade 6
In Term 2, our Grade 6 students explored reversible and irreversible changes. They conducted a range of experiments throughout the term, but a crowd favourite was making slime. Students carefully followed the procedure and measured their materials accurately to ensure their slime was successful. Once their slime was complete, they discussed how the change from glue to slime was irreversible because a new substance had been formed and the original materials could not be recovered.
Looking Forward
This term, each year level will begin their new Science topic.
Foundation students are moving on to physical science, exploring how sound can make materials vibrate and vibrating materials can make sound.
Grade 1 students are beginning to explore earth and space science, looking at daily and seasonal changes in the weather and the environment, and Earth as one of 8 planets in our solar system.
Grade 2 students are beginning to look at physical science, exploring how pushes and pulls are forces that can change an object’s movement or shape.
Grade 3 students are beginning to look at earth and space science, investigating how water is an important Earth resource that originates from various sources and exploring how water cycles through the environment.
Grade 4 students are beginning to look at physical science, exploring how heat energy can be generated from different sources.
Grade 5 students are beginning to look at earth and space science, exploring how the force of gravity keeps Earth and other planets in the solar system in orbit around the Sun.
Grade 6 students are beginning to look at physical science, exploring electrical energy and how it can be transferred and transformed.
Mariah Wylie
Science Teacher