Science at BPS
Term 4, Week 2
Blackburn Primary School
Welcome to Term 4 in Science, where we will be talking all things Physics! I hope everyone had a wonderful break and took the chance to rest and recharge ready for the charge towards the end of the year. I took the opportunity to head to one of my favourite places in the world and did some relaxing by the pool and beach in a few different areas of Bali. I even managed to read over 4 novels which means it was a real holiday in my eyes if there is plenty of reading time.
This term in F-2 we are exploring how things move and how forces affect the world around us. We will investigate pushes and pulls, friction, magnets and gravity and discover how these forces can change the speed or direction of moving objects.
Grade 3/4 students will be looking at different types of energy, including heat and sound and how energy is transferred and used in everyday life.
The 5/6's are working on electrical circuits and considering what materials are used as conductors and insulators. And as always, we look at our topics through the lens of how Science is a human endeavour and consider how the Scientific Method is followed to design and carry out a fair test.
I have to say that there is so much to do and so little time as we speed towards the culmination of 2026!
Science Club
As well as our science lessons, some students have taken advantage of extra fun through participating in Science club at lunchtime on a Monday. Our newest living things were brought to life in Science club this week - Sea Monkeys! What is a Sea Monkey you ask??? You can find out more about these here https://www.sea-monkeys.com.au/blogs/news/what-is-a-sea-monkey These are a fun and very easy to maintain, small, (actually tiny!) pet that you can enjoy at home.
Diffusion and dissolving fun in Science club
Our stick insects are also growing and multiplying. Thanks to the Eamons' family for 'Stick insect-sitting' over the holidays. We now have 5 stick insects living in the Science room. The students are enjoying seeing what changes there might be between their weekly visits.
Speaking of changes, our germinated seeds that were planted last time are starting to take off thanks to some Spring rain. If you are passing by the Science/Chinese portables, check out the growth that has been happening.
Our stick insect nymphs in their enclosure
Don't forget that if you are ever interested in what the International Space Station is doing, you can track it's live location via https://www.nasa.gov/spot-the-station/ . The Space Station recently had a changeover of crew so it was exciting to hear about the astronauts launching and and those that have returned. I find learning about space exploration one of the most fascinating aspects of science and cannot begin to comprehend the enormity of scientific research and collaboration that goes into sending technology and humans into the wider universe.
As always, the learning in science is never ending, so I look forward to the adventures ahead of us as we delve into Term 4.
Stay Curious,
Tanya Stansfield
tanya.stansfield@education.vic.gov.au
Checking out the stick insects in their enclosure