STEM News

Dear fellow scientists,

Prep students have been engaging in activities that encourage them to use prior knowledge and apply their understanding through hands-on learning. Students are learning to use their prior knowledge to complete their science knowledge test. This activity allows them to recall what they have learned and demonstrate their understanding of key science concepts. Students are learning to plan for their ‘In The Cup’ design project while developing their generating and problem-solving skills. This project encourages creativity, collaboration, and hands-on investigation.

Grade 1 students are learning to identify ways that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples use Earth’s resources, such as rocks and plants. Their learning focuses on understanding the deep knowledge and sustainable practices of First Nations peoples in caring for Country. Students compared ways that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples use Earth’s resources with how we use them today for example: drawing, soap, shelter and water. Students are enjoying exploring how these traditional practices connect science, art, and culture! Watch this video on making ochre at luyni mungalina- This Place https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TGpf54QiDk 

Grade 2 students are learning to use an app called Scratch Jr to create a recycling game with a partner or in a group of three. Working together, they need to make a character move by using different coding blocks. Watch this video and try it at home: Scratch Jr Coding Lesson 7 – How to Make a Memory Game (Beginner Programming): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23DjeHbPYl4 

Students in Grade 3 are learning to describe the behaviour and size of celestial bodies using scientific language. They are learning to use the word relative when comparing the sizes of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, and the word orbit to describe how the Earth moves in the Solar System. Watch this video on why do we have different seasons? California Academy of Sciences: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgHmqv_-UbQ 

This week, our curious Grade 4 students became scientists as they investigated how air resistance affects falling objects. Using Book Creator, they recorded their observations, organised their findings, and shared their learning. Watch this video on Brian Cox visits the world’s biggest vacuum\human universe- BBC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E43-CfukEgs

Grade 5 students are learning to use their science inquiry skills to complete an investigation on shadows. Students carried out the investigation safely and identified the variables involved. Watch this video on refraction being explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zarxpu43-ls- 

This week, Grade 6 students have been applying their understanding of food webs and using their science inquiry skills. They examined how living things are connected through energy flow and used evidence from food webs to explain the relationships between organisms. Students worked collaboratively, asked scientific questions, and used data to support their conclusions. Watch this video about a butterfly’s breakfast. It explains food webs and why they are useful. https://www.clickview.net/primary/videos/80348839/butterfly-s-breakfast 

                                                                         STEM Team