Learning and Teaching
Chemistry Chaos Incursion - Mad About Science
On the 20th of November, the Grade 3s and 4s were invited to have an incursion to learn about different reactions that occur when mixing different chemicals. The person teaching us was called ‘Tracy’ and she was very nice to us. We learned about how vinegar and baking soda turns cold when you put them together in a snap-lock bag. We also learned how to make orbeez! It was great fun and interesting and the best part was we got to keep them! We put a baby orbeez in a snap-lock bag and put water inside and after a few hours the baby orbeez would grow big because it would suck up all the water.
Student Reflections
I really liked the reversing chemicals that were made by using lots of other chemicals. One of them started off having half of it blue and the other half clear, but when you shook it, it all went blue but it was a bit lighter than before. Later in the class when we checked on it again it was all back to normal, like how it started. The other one we did was the orbeez. The orbeez are so small that you can't see through them because they are made of plastic. When we added water to them they started to grow and now you can see through them because the water is clear. The orbeez are very squishy and slimy. They can slip out of your fingers very easily. It was very fun and I learned lots of new scientific words.
By Maggie - Year 3
I learnt how to make orbeez and it grows really fast when it is in water and I also learnt that polymer plastic is really squishy. I also learnt about acids and bases and we used baking soda, water, lemon juice, cabbage water, vinegar and disinfectant. I enjoyed making the orbeez the best.
By Daniel - Year 4
Today on the 20/11/24 we had a girl named Tracy teach us all about science. She is a part of Mad About Science. It was so fun! First of all she taught us how to make our own orbeez. We put the tiny ball into the clear bag. Then we put 1 teaspoon of water in the clear bag and after 6 hours it is meant to grow bigger (the orbeez are full of more water than you expect!) I really enjoyed making the orbeez. Next we learnt how to do a bi carb soda and vinegar experiment. You need 2 people to do it. One has to hold the clear bag open while the other puts one teaspoon of bi carb soda into the bag. Then zip the clear bag up halfway and pour some vinegar in, but you must close it quickly as it explodes in the bag. After about 5 minutes it gets inflated and turns into a pillow shape and feels extremely cold. We also did a nail rust experiment and mixed lots of different science ingredients too! I learnt that exothermic is hot and endothermic is cold! I also learnt to not put any chemicals, even if they are safe chemicals, near your mouth, nose or eyes.
By Evie - Year 4
At the science incursion we did many experiments. The first experiment we did was getting a tiny Orbeez and putting it into a small plastic bag with a little bit of water. Then we came down to the floor and talked about H2O. After we talked for a little bit we went back to our tables and Abbie and I did the second experiment together. The second experiment we did was getting a plastic bag (Big size but not too big) and putting some baking soda into the bag and then some vinegar. Then when we were done with that we put the bag on our hands and oh it felt so cold! It almost felt as cold as an iceberg! When Abbie put it on her hand she said “OH GO THIS IS FREEZING COLD!”. And you should have seen Abbie’s face! Then we came to the floor and learned about copper sulfate. Then we went back to our tables again and made a copper sulfate. It was cool but not really fun. Then we came back to the floor and talked about cabbage water and lemon water and stuff. Then we came back to the floor and learned about other stuff and then went back to our tables and did a color die sort of thing. It was cool and fun. It was even the best science lesson of my life!
Charlotte - Year 3
School Tennis Program
A message from Pro Tennis Academy:
Mark Hartnett’s Pro Tennis Academy was very fortunate to provide a tennis program at St Johns for the past 4 weeks. We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity and we hope the children had fun and enjoyed the active tennis experience.
As a thank you we would like to offer all children a free group tennis lesson at either Mitcham or Donvale Tennis Clubs. To take up this offer (new students only) please email us at coaching@protennisacademy.com.au.
All St John students are also invited to join Tennis Australia’s Hot Shot Crew which will provide a free t-shirt as well as opportunities to have fun at the 2025 Australian Open.
Registration is easy, just follow the following steps. https://hotshots.tennis.com.au/
Click on the top right Join the Crew. Enter your location Mitcham TC and your coach as Lisa Hartnett.
Thanks for the opportunity
