EDUCATION WEEK

This week is Education Week and this year we are shining a ‘Spotlight on STEM.’  

STEM is …  

Science  

Technology  

Engineering  

Maths  

and can offer some fantastic learning opportunities.   

STEM advances children’s learning through problem-solving, questioning, hypothesising, experimenting, investigating and teamwork. These learning experiences promote critical and creative thinking. Fostering curiosity and exploration empowers students to understand how our world works.   

This week is a terrific opportunity to highlight the wonderful learning that is happening here at the Springs in the Junior STEM room!   

Throughout Term 2 we are focusing on Chemical Science. 

Students have been busy using all their senses to identify varied materials and their properties as well as mixing and combining materials to make something new.   

We have been practising numeracy skills through counting, grouping objects, and measuring out ingredients when following procedures and cooking.  

Students will be putting on their engineering hats to creatively design and build structures using the appropriate materials. We will be using problem-solving, trial and error and resilience to test the strength, water-resistance, and durability of our various creations.  

Technology has also been a big part of our program and has been used to support the learning of new concepts through educational games and tasks.   

Additionally, we have focused on how to use an iPad by navigating its basic features and exploring different apps.  

Students have learnt to use the camera app to take pictures and where to locate photos in the photo app. We have used the Safari internet app and discussed why we use the internet and how to use it safely by always seeking permission from an adult.  

We even learnt how to scan QR codes and went on a hunt to find a hidden virtual reality tiger in the classroom!  

There have been lots of new concepts, introducing unfamiliar words, hands-on activities, problem-solving, working as a team and lots of FUN, making the Junior STEM room a wonderful place to be!  

This week we will also be sharing some easy activities you can do to practise STEM skills at home.  

Mrs McKenzie and Mr Rook 

Junior STEM Teachers