STEM

PREP – GRADE 2

In Term Three, as part of the Biological Science Unit, students demonstrated their understanding of how plants grow in our environment. They investigated plants in our school environment. Then, they discovered that all plants have external features (such as; roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruit) which perform different functions which help them to survive.  All students participated in guided experiments, for example, like the snow pea seeds germination experiment to find out how plants grow. They learnt that plants need seed, soil, water, air and sunlight to grow.   

Once students planted their seeds and they regularly observed and monitored their seed growth. They applied their scientific skills to make predictions, observing changes and recording explanations using scientific vocabulary such as, “seed germination”. Throughout the duration of this experiment, students were quite amazed as they observed the growth of seeds in real time. It was an enjoyable experiment and moment of learning this term. We thank all the students for bringing their continued curiosity and contributions to their learnings this term! 

GRADE 3 & 4

In Term Three, students explored how animals depend on each other and in their respective environment to survive as part of their Biological Science Unit. They investigated how energy passes from one living thing to another by researching the feeding relationships of producers, consumer and the decomposers in a food chain. Students then researched the different types of decomposers and detritivores as important living things in a food chain which help clean up the environment.

They used microscopic lenses to see the parts of a cell; a part of an onion cell and yeasts cells. They learnt that we used microscopes to see objects that are too small for the human eye to see on its own. Further, they continued to reflect on their understanding of the relationships of food chains by comparing different types of food chains across different habitats. For example, ocean habitat, grassland habitat and the desert habitat. Throughout this unit, students have really enjoyed learning about the different types of food chains and their habitats. They have discovered and continued to build their understanding of the variety of habitats in which different animals are dependent on. We thank all students for the ongoing contributions and bringing an inquisitive attitude to STEM classes this term! 

GRADE 5 & 6                        

In Term Three, students explored the physical conditions of habitats, how organisms survive and what human activities can help to reduce the negative impacts on habitats as part of their Biological Science Unit. They investigated the different physical conditions of habitats, were able to describe how climate zones such as temperature, rainfall, sunlight and wind contribute to the survival of habitats. Additionally, they also explored the different features of habitats and these impact living organisms. 

It was also important for students to build their understanding and investigate how organisms survive and how human activities both positively and negatively impact habitat survival. Students came to appreciate the importance of protecting our environment and how this contributes to the wider world ongoing efforts to maintain conservation and sustainability initiatives. 

Finally, as part of their final assessment task for this term, students are in the process of creating an Infographic Poster on conservation, demonstrating their understanding of saving Koalas in the forest and woodland environments. Students will be able to showcase their knowledge, research skills and creativity in this final task and we applaud their ongoing efforts. Overall, we thank the students for their continued hard work and curiosity this term as they continued to delve into the world of science!