Specialist Curriculum 

 

STSS, Physical Education, Visual Art, Media Arts

Exploring Plants and Technology in the Early Years

Our curious learners in Prep, Year 1, and Year 2 have been busy exploring the world around them through science and digital technologies.

In Science, students have been investigating plants and their external features. They’ve closely observed leaves, stems, roots, and flowers, learning to name and describe these important parts. They’ve also been learning about what plants need to survive, sunlight, water, air, and soil, through discussions, observations, and interactive activities.

In digital technologies, students have been introduced to the world of hardware, software, and digital systems. They’ve discovered that hardware includes the physical parts of a device (like screens, keyboards, and mice), while software refers to the programs and apps that tell the hardware what to do. Students explored how digital systems combine both to help us complete everyday tasks like taking photos, sending messages, or playing educational games.

It’s been a fantastic start to the term, full of discovery, wonder, and growing understanding, both in the natural world and the digital one!

Years 3 and 4 Discover Life Cycles and Design Solutions

Students in Years 3 and 4 have been diving into fascinating scientific and design learning this term.

In Science, they’ve been exploring the life cycles of plants and animals, learning how living things grow, change, and reproduce. Through observations, discussions, and research, students have investigated the different stages of life, from seed to plant, egg to adult, and the important role each stage plays in the survival of a species.

In Design Technologies, students have been using their scientific knowledge to begin designing their very own seed collectors. This exciting project encourages students to think like inventors, considering how their designs can help gather seeds from the environment efficiently and sustainably. They’ve started brainstorming ideas, sketching designs, and thinking about the materials and features their seed collectors might need.

It’s been a fantastic blend of science and creativity, with students using what they’ve learned about nature to inspire real world problem-solving!

Year 5 and 6 Explore Animal Adaptations and Extreme Survivors

Students in Years 5 and 6 have been expanding their scientific thinking with an exciting look into animal adaptations and some of nature’s most extreme survivors.

As part of their Biological Sciences unit, students have been investigating why animals look different and how their physical features help them survive in a variety of environments. From thick fur for cold climates to long legs for running across open plains, students have explored the fascinating ways animals have adapted to meet the challenges of their habitats.

A highlight of the unit has been learning about tardigrades, tiny microscopic creatures known for surviving some of the most extreme environments on Earth. Whether it’s the freezing vacuum of space, boiling temperatures, or crushing pressures deep under the sea, tardigrades have amazed students with their resilience and adaptability.

This inquiry has sparked lots of discussion, curiosity, and deeper thinking about the diversity of life on Earth and the incredible ways living things are equipped to survive, even in the harshest conditions.

Lance Rooney

On behalf of the STSS community

Contact Us

specialist@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au OR