STEM

What a big year we have had in the first year of STEM! The Smart City Expo, National Game Design Challenge, lots of experiments and countless questions of ‘why?’ and ‘how?’ I hope the students have enjoyed it as much as I have!

During Term 4, students focused on biological sciences. They have learned how to group animals based on their external features, redesigned and built zoos using Minecraft Education, researched the life cycle and needs of living things and looked at how animals adapt to their environment to help their survival.

Some of the zoos designed and built by students using Minecraft Education

Over the break, you can nurture your child’s curiosity by encouraging them to ask questions, explore outdoors, and build things following the design cycle: ask, imagine, plan, create, test, improve!

Some ideas for summer holiday STEM activities:

• Build a sailboat out of recycled materials, such as a yoghourt container, icy pole sticks and elastic bands 
• Balloon powered boat using a sponge, a straw and a balloon
• Make Oobleck Slime by mixing 1 cup cornstarch and 3/4 cup water
• Experiment with ‘Bouncing Bubbles’: Mix 4 tbsp of water, 2 tbsp of sugar and 1 tbsp of dish soap. (When bouncing the bubbles, use a mitten, sock, or your sleeve.)
• Build a car or plane out of cardboard cereal boxes
• Go on a nature walk around your neighbourhood, what living things can you find?

Thank you to all the students and their families for embracing STEM at ARPS. I’m looking forward to another exciting year in 2024!