Teaching and Learning

Year 7 SEAL Students Immerse in Real-World Science at Melbourne Formula One Excursion

Year 7 SEAL students were treated to an exciting excursion at the Melbourne Formula One event on Friday, March 22nd. This excursion, organised in collaboration with Quantum Victoria and the Grand Prix Corporation, aimed to deepen students' understanding of scientific principles while providing a hands-on experience beyond the traditional classroom setting.

The Driving Learning educational program enabled students to explore the fascinating world of motorsports and its connection to scientific concepts such as force and resistance. We embarked on this excursion last year with great success and were fortunate to secure tickets yet again. As educational professionals, we recognize the benefits of experiential learning for gifted students and have offered this excursion especially for the SEAL cohort, enriching their curriculum knowledge. 

Throughout the day, students were immersed in a myriad of activities and experiences. Students enjoyed the Hydrobot Rumble STEM challenge, the culmination of a competition featuring hydrogen-fuelled autonomous vehicles designed and built by finalists. 

The Deadly Science Activation Centre offered Indigenous STEM experiments and there were aerial displays by the Australian Defence Force, along with other interactive exhibits. The Dark Shadows Studio presented an exhilarating drone racing game and students had the opportunity to step into the shoes of professional racers through a Karting simulator, delving into the intricacies of the sport. 

This immersive excursion not only complemented the classroom learning but also aimed to nurture students' curiosity, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Moving forward, the experiences and insights gained during this excursion will be integrated into classroom discussions, reinforcing scientific principles of force and resistance.

Special thanks go to Ms. Ingrid Scharer, Mr. Tom McInerney, and Mr. Mark Fernandez for taking the students to Albert Park and enabling them to have such a fantastic day. 

Ms. Laura Washington -  Learning Specialist for Academic Excellence, SEAL and Academies.

What is the better way to improve child's vocabulary?

1. Bring new words to life.
2. Visualise new words on paper.
3. Encourage your child to query any new words they come across.
4. Talk constantly with your child.
5. Have two-way conversations with your child.
6. Don't 'dumb down' your own vocabulary.
7. Put new words into context
8. Make connections between word 

Further resources and tips can be found https://bedrocklearning.org/literacy-blogs/21-fun-ways-to-improve-your-child-s-vocabulary/

VCE TIP re VOCAB  = Repeated practice - use the back of the toilet door or the glass shower wall!

A great tip for supporting students to memorise key tier 2 and 3 vocabulary is to get them to make their own poster. A perfect place for this poster is the back of the toilet door, outside the glass wall of the shower, the fridge door, their bedroom wall.