STEM News
Dear fellow scientists,
Prep students are exploring how different materials affect how high a ball bounces. Using a variety of balls, including a ping pong ball, tennis ball, and basketball, students are investigating how the material of each ball influences its bounce. They made predictions about which balls they think will bounce the highest based on the material and surface of the ball (for example, smooth, bumpy, or spiky). They will then test their predictions, compare the results, and order the balls from the highest bounce to the lowest bounce while discussing what they discovered.
Grade 1 students are investigating how pushes and pulls can start, stop, or change the direction of moving objects. Through hands-on activities and investigations, students are exploring the effects of different forces using everyday objects such as dominoes, plastic cups, toy cars, and balls. Students are learning to identify whether a force is a push or a pull and explain how these forces can cause objects to move, stop, or change direction. Read this book at home about pushes and pulls: https://www.getepic.com/app/read/36255
Students in grade 2 are exploring the last four planets in our Solar System: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Using their Solar System booklets, students are learning about the unique features of each planet by recording three interesting facts about each one. They are also colouring each planet using its correct colours to reinforce their understanding of the Solar System.
Grade 3 students are exploring how plants can be classified based on their observable features. Through hands-on investigations, students are identifying characteristics such as veins, shapes, arrangement, edges and arrangement on the stem. Students are using a classification flow chart to identify plants by observing their features and following a series of questions. This helps students understand how scientists’ group and identify living things based on their characteristics.
Grade 4 students are investigating the conditions that affect dandelion growth. Through this scientific investigation, students are developing their skills in predicting, analysing, and evaluating evidence. To extend your child's learning at home, read this book about food chains: https://www.getepic.com/app/read/30457
Students in Grade 5 are continuing their waterproof box design project. Students designed and constructed a cardboard tray before selecting suitable waterproof materials, such as plastic or duct tape, to protect their design. Once their trays were complete, students tested their designs in groups by pouring 250 mL of water into the tray and then carefully lifting it to check whether any water leaked through. This investigation helped students evaluate whether their designs were truly waterproof and consider how they could improve them using the engineering design process.
Grade 6 students are completing their cardboard house design project by working collaboratively in teams to build a model house. Once their houses are complete, students will connect an LED to a complete electrical circuit to test whether their house lights up. Students will then evaluate their design by carefully reading the evaluation questions and responding in full sentences. They will reflect on how well their house worked, identify any improvements that could be made, and explain how the complete circuit helped power the LED.
In other STEM news: We are excited to invite all students and their families to our STEM night! Join us on Monday, 17th August, from 3:15pm to 4:30pm, for an afternoon of hands- on learning and fun. There will be lots of exciting activities to explore, including Spheros, balloon people, invisible ink, electrical kits, and many more. You will have the chance to discover the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through interactive activities that will spark your curiosity, creativity, and problem- solving skills. Whether you love building, creating, investigating, or experimenting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We cannot wait to see you and your family there for a fantastic afternoon of learning and fun!
STEM night competitions:
