Innovation & Design

Innovation & Design February Newsletter 2025

\We are really excited to begin a brand new year for Innovation and Design!  All of our students have been explicitly taught about the school iPad agreement, covering appropriate use of technology, what inappropriate use of technology includes and the consequences for inappropriate use.

This term we will be looking at Design Technologies with a  focus on applying their knowledge of the Design cycle process through various design challenges.  

Foundation

Our Foundation students will explore materials and structure as they design shelters. This term, our Foundation students will embark on an exciting journey into the world of materials and structures as they explore how to design and build shelters! Through hands-on activities, they will investigate different materials, learn about their properties, and experiment with ways to create strong and stable structures. 

Year 1

Our Year 1 students are diving into the exciting world of design and engineering! This term, they will construct stable and creative tower designs while following the stages of our Design Cycle. This hands-on project encourages problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork, as students bring their amazing ideas to life! We can’t wait to see their innovative designs.

Year 2

This term, our Year 2 students will dive into the world of mechanics and movement as they design and build their own paper spring-operated toys!  

Through this hands-on project, they will explore how springs store and release energy, experiment with different mechanisms, and apply problem-solving skills to create fun and functional toys. This exciting learning experience will help develop their understanding of forces, motion, and engineering principles—all while sparking creativity and curiosity!

Year 3

This term, our Year 3 students will be exploring the art of weaving as they develop their fine motor skills and enhance their pattern recognition abilities. 

Through this hands-on project, they will experiment with different weaving techniques while discovering the unique properties of various materials. This process will encourage patience, creativity, and problem-solving, helping students gain a deeper understanding of how materials can be used to create both functional and decorative designs.

Year 4

This term, our Grade 4 students will be investigating the properties of different materials and applying their knowledge to an exciting parachute design challenge! This hands-on learning experience will deepen their understanding of air resistance, gravity, and material properties, while encouraging creativity and problem-solving. We can’t wait to see their parachutes in action!

Year 5 

This term, our Year 5 students have been exploring the art of Origami—the traditional Japanese technique of paper folding. They have learned about the different uses of Origami, from simple decorative pieces to practical applications in design and engineering.

Students have also been practicing various folding techniques. These techniques have helped students improve their patience, precision, and problem-solving skills while having fun bringing paper to life!

Year 6

This term, our Year 5 & 6 students will be diving into the world of Food Technology, where they will learn essential kitchen skills and gain confidence in cooking! 

Throughout the program, students will explore:

🔪 Safe use of kitchen equipment – Learning proper handling of tools.

🧼 Hygiene and food safety – Understanding the importance of cleanliness in cooking.🥄 Cooking techniques – Practicing measuring, mixing, and preparing simple recipes.

This hands-on learning experience will help students develop independence, teamwork, and an appreciation for healthy eating. 

Through the term we will use Seesaw at different times to showcase what we are learning in the classroom. We kindly ask all students to bring their iPads, fully charged, to their I&D sessions.

We look forward to sharing more with you throughout the year!