Innovation & Design October Newsletter

Foundation

This term, our Foundation students will be exploring some exciting topics in Innovation and Design. They will get hands-on experience with Seesaw, a software program used at school, helping them become more comfortable with basic digital tools.

Students will also learn to recognise the difference between being online and offline, developing an understanding of internet safety and how to navigate digital spaces responsibly. Additionally, they will practise naming and sorting hardware and software, building a strong foundation in understanding how technology works.

It’s going to be a term full of discovery and fun as our youngest learners begin their journey into the world of technology!

Grade 1

This term, Grade 1 students will be exploring several important topics. They will learn about the process of how food travels from the farm to the supermarket and finally to our plates, helping them understand where our food comes from and the journey it takes to get to us.

Students will also get creative by brainstorming design ideas and drawing their own designs, developing their problem-solving and artistic skills.

In addition to these exciting lessons, we’ll focus on cyber safety. Students will learn the importance of asking permission from an adult before going online or using digital tools, building safe online habits from a young age.

It’s going to be a term filled with fun, creativity, and important learning experiences!

Grade 2

In Term 4, Grade 2 students will engage in exciting hands-on activities in Innovation and Design. They will draw detailed design plans for a bridge and write a construction plan, including a material list to build their bridge using recycled materials. This project will encourage creativity, problem-solving, and sustainable thinking.

Additionally, students will focus on making positive choices when using technology. They will learn how to use digital tools responsibly and practise safe and thoughtful online behaviours.

It’s going to be a term filled with creativity, construction, and responsible tech use!

Grade 3

This term, students have been learning about different computer hardware devices and their specific purposes. Understanding how these devices function and how they are used will give them a solid foundation in technology.

We will also be exploring how fabric is joined together. Students will practice key sewing skills, including threading a needle, mastering the overhand and running stitches, and finishing off rows of stitches neatly. These practical activities will help develop fine motor coordination and creativity.

Additionally, we will focus on critical thinking. Students will learn how to carefully evaluate the information they read or observe online, honing their ability to identify reliable sources and make informed decisions.

It's going to be a term full of valuable learning experiences!

Grade 4

This term, Grade 4 students will be investigating how people address important considerations like sustainability. They will explore how making eco-friendly choices can impact the environment and learn about sustainable practices in everyday life. This will help students develop a greater understanding of responsible decision-making when it comes to protecting our planet.

Along with this, students will be using various tools and equipment in the Kitchen for preparing fruit skewers, chocolate balls and other yummy recipes. A key focus will be on ensuring they use these tools safely and responsibly, following proper guidelines to avoid any accidents.

This term promises to be both insightful and practical as students engage in thoughtful learning and safe, hands-on activities!

Grade 5

In Term 4, Grade 5 students will be diving into exciting projects in Innovation and Design. They will begin by learning how to gather and organise information effectively. Students will then design and create their own infographics to present the data in a visually engaging way, making complex information easier to understand.

Additionally, students will explore the strategies used by games and social media to capture and keep our attention. By identifying these techniques, they will gain a better understanding of how digital platforms are designed to influence behaviour.

It’s going to be an engaging and creative term as students sharpen both their analytical and design skills!

Grade 6

In Year 6 Innovation and Design, we are exploring origami, the Japanese art of folding paper. This skill helps students develop patience, precision, and creativity as they turn a flat piece of paper into three-dimensional shapes. We’ve started by practising basic folds like the valley fold (where the paper is folded down) and the mountain fold (where the paper is folded up). These simple folds are the foundation for creating more complex and beautiful designs.

But origami is more than just a fun activity. It is important in many fields, including engineering, medicine, and space exploration. For example, scientists use origami techniques to design things like foldable space telescopes and medical devices that fit inside the body. Origami shows how a traditional art can inspire modern technology and real-world solutions.

Through these lessons, students are learning how creativity can lead to innovation. They are beginning to see how old ideas like origami can help solve new problems. We are excited to see their unique designs and how they use these skills in their future projects! Stay tuned for their amazing origami creations.

From the Assistant Principals

Lisa Stafford, Scott Woolcock & Aleisha Scott

Sunsmart Term: School Hats Required