Science

Science December Newsletter

It has been a joy observing students deepen their knowledge and skills relevant to Physical Science. With our assessments concluding, we are proud of the growth students have made from the beginning of the unit to now.

Foundation

We completed a test recapping activities that involve pushing or pulling. We practiced our handwriting and cutting-and-pasting to neatly record our knowledge. For example, we pull a rope when we are flying a kite. Students were also challenged to explain their learning to peers and the teacher, as we engaged in learning stations (push and pull board game, snakes and ladders, sliding shapes to make patterns).

Year 1

We completed a test recapping surfaces and 3D shapes. We observed a range of objects to explain how they move based on their flat or curved surfaces. For example, ‘a book slides on the table because it has a flat surface,’ or ‘a bottle slides and rolls because it has a flat surface on the bottom and a curved surface on its body for us to comfortably hold it.’ We also designed and created our own soda bottle using a cylinder net. Students were challenged to explore the classroom and the school to take photos of objects with different sizes, surfaces and shapes. Students also recorded videos of themselves moving various objects as they explained why an object moves in a particular way.

Year 2

We completed a test recapping how our brain processes sound and light. We engaged with sensory tubes to explore how different objects and materials impact the sound emitted. Students were challenged to create a DIY straw flute to explore and explain how music is produced via vibrations.

Year 3

We completed a test recapping our learning about examples of natural and artificial heat sources and the three types of heat transfer- conduction, convection and radiation. Students were challenged to explore heat conductors and insulators by engaging in a Scientific investigation about which material is ideal for eating ice-cream. We also compared our predictions with our results, drawing on our knowledge and observations.

Year 4

We completed a test recapping our learning about contact and non-contact forces. We engaged in a variety of discussions, gestures and drawings to reinforce our learning. Students were challenged to draw the magnetic field to help explain why bar magnets with the same poles will repel, in comparison to bar magnets with different poles that will attract. We experimented with different objects in the room to determine if it is magnetic or not. Students were also challenged to explore gravity as an example of non-contact force and its link to their Earth and space learning in Term 1.

Year 5

We engaged in a range of learning activities to review our learning so far by revisiting previous lesson materials and asking questions to deepen our learning. Then, we completed a test recapping our learning about the behaviour of light. Students were challenged to explore and explain multiple (infinite) reflections by creating their own symmetrical pattern between two mirrors of 120, 90 and 45 degree angles.  

Year 6

We completed a test recapping our learning about renewable and non-renewable energy and the four types of energy learnt so far - mechanical/motion, gravitational, electrical and radiant. We defined the four types of energy, how they work and their uses in our daily lives. Then, students were challenged to explore sound, elastic, chemical and nuclear energy by engaging in a range of learning slides, videos, questions, predictions and discussions.

We wish you a relaxing summer vacation and a happy new year!

Lots of love from,

Mrs Kini and Miss N