Year 3 Spotlight

Geography Fun

This term in Inquiry, Grade 3 is learning all about Geography! We are researching and planning a diorama, and exploring mentor texts embedded in our weekly literacy blocks. Students are learning about important features of the world map such as the equator, the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and the continents. We are also exploring the current/modern map of Australia, the States and terrains within Australia as well as exploring the rich history of the Indigenous Australian map and languages.

Week by week, students have explored geographic concepts such as terrain, climate, population, flora, fauna and natural and human made landmarks that help determine geographical regions. 

Darebin Parklands Excursion

As part of this inquiry, we were lucky enough to journey to our beautiful local Darebin Parklands for an excursion. Students participated in a water bug experience run by parkland staff. Students investigated water bugs (freshwater macroinvertebrates) that live in the Darebin Creek. They used spoons to catch water bugs from creek water in trays, and identified bugs using charts. After this, classes went on a nature walk exploring local flora and fauna, and of course had some time to play and enjoy Darebin Parklands. 

Here’s what we had to say about the excursion:

We learnt about water bugs, and we were able to catch them in the tub. We went on a talk and looked for different flora and fauna. ~ Maggie M, 3C

I liked being outdoors with the grade for the day. ~ Jarrah, 3C

It was very cool because we got to catch and learn about interesting bugs. It was lovely to see beautiful things. ~ Sia, 3B

We saw loads of flora and fauna, including loads and loads of water bugs. We even saw fish!!!!! We went on a bushwalk and saw gum trees, lakes and rivers. We saw ducks and turtles and ducklings. ~ Max, 3B

My group caught a Back Swimmer, Water Boatman, Water Strider, Diving Beetle, Blood Worms, Damselfly Nymph and a Water Mite. Did you know that turtles live there too? ~ Nora, 3B

I liked walking around the big acorn and looking at the water bugs. We went up a really high look out too. ~ Frances, 3A

I liked walking around seeing the different plants and birds. ~ Scout, 3A

I learnt that there's a lot of different types of water bugs in Darebin Creek. ~ Rocco, 3A

Got Spare Shoebox?

As part of our unit, students in Grade 3 will showcase their learning from this term by designing and creating a diorama that portrays a particular terrain and climate in the Southern Hemisphere. Students will learn more about this project soon but in the meantime,  if you are in Grade 3, and have a spare shoe box at home, please bring it in!

~ Year 3 Teachers (Sophie, Emilia, Millie & Monique) and Students