Event Spotlight: Science Week

National Science Week, August 10-18 

The theme for National Science Week this year was Species Survival - More than just sustainability. The theme aimed to highlight the importance of science and innovation in ensuring the survival and thriving of different species in an ever-changing world.

Students had an amazing variety of topics to investigate and were able to dive into issues of particular interest to them: disease-causing organisms, life-saving chemicals, clean water, photosynthesis, genetic screening, physics of building structures, artificial intelligence, and microplastics.

In their Grade 1 and Grade 4 buddy groups, students paired up in an attempt to build the tallest possible structure using just 20 marshmallows and 20 pieces of spaghetti. They learnt that science can be messy and fun at the same time, and that it encourages collaboration and a sense of curiosity.

Meanwhile, Mrs. James demonstrated a series of experiments to her Grade 5 class, who then replicated them for their Grade 2 buddies. There was a lava lamp, elephant toothpaste, an M&M colour wheel and lemon volcanoes. 

I loved watching the lava lamp, it was super cool to see the bubbles floating around and up.

-Soph.

I liked watching the elephant toothpaste flood out of the bottle!

-Amelie.

I enjoyed the lemon volcanoes because the more you stabbed into the baking soda, the more it erupted. I loved it so much that I did it with my family that night at home.

-Jenelle.

In our Primary School Science Week Assembly on Thursday, Mr van Ryn spoke about Salt and Light. He shared passages from Matthew 5:13-16 where Jesus tells his followers they are both salt and light. He spoke to the students about how Jesus calls us all to be salt and light in our world today. 

Mr van Ryn used a special type of salt and a common household chemical to illustrate his point. He explained:

When these two ingredients are mixed together, they cause a powerful chemical reaction that ultimately produces light. When we partner with Jesus, light mixing these two ingredients, we can help bring light to the world.